The government has directed the Ghana Buffer Stock Company Limited to take over the procurement and supply of locally produced rice for schools across the country, following concerns that some institutions continue to purchase imported rice despite an existing policy encouraging the use of local produce.

The directive, issued on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, reinforces a policy introduced last year that decentralized food procurement for schools and encouraged school authorities to source food items locally to support domestic agriculture and strengthen local value chains.

Under the policy, schools were specifically urged to prioritise the purchase of locally produced rice to expand market access for Ghanaian rice farmers and reduce the country’s reliance on imported food commodities.

However, reports reaching the President indicate that several schools are still procuring imported rice for their feeding programmes, contrary to the government’s directive.

President Mahama has expressed concern over the development, noting that the continued purchase of imported rice undermines efforts to boost local agricultural production, support Ghanaian farmers and retain value within the national economy.

In response, the President has ordered the immediate reallocation and centralisation of rice procurement for schools to ensure strict adherence to the policy promoting locally produced rice.

Under the new arrangement, the Ghana Buffer Stock Company Limited will be responsible for the procurement, aggregation and distribution of local rice to schools nationwide.

The Ministry of Education has been tasked to work closely with the Ghana Education Service and the Buffer Stock Company to ensure the effective implementation of the directive. This includes establishing appropriate coordination and distribution mechanisms to guarantee the timely supply of locally produced rice to schools.

Government says the measure is aimed at ensuring compliance with its policy, strengthening local rice production and creating a stable and transparent supply chain for schools.

The Office of the President has asked the Ministry of Education to treat the directive as urgent and keep it informed on the implementation arrangements put in place.