Buffer Stock Urges Expansion of National Food Storage Capacity
Deputy CEO Osmond Amuah warns Ghana's food storage is under 50,000 metric tonnes and needs urgent expansion for national food security.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NAFCO, Osmond Amuah, has called for immediate investment in Ghana's food storage infrastructure, stating that current capacity is below 50,000 metric tonnes. This insufficient storage risks the country's ability to build critical emergency food reserves during global supply disruptions.
Amaoh stressed that Ghana consumes over six million metric tonnes of maize and rice yearly, requiring substantial storage to meet the ideal 90-day emergency food stock standard. He highlighted that disruptions like pandemics, regional conflicts, or trade route blockages could severely impact import-dependent food access.
The official noted that importing food typically takes eight to twelve weeks, making domestic reserves essential for sustaining the population during such delays. He also pointed out that Ghana's monthly maize and rice demand exceeds 500,000 metric tonnes, far surpassing current storage limits.
Amaoh urged policymakers and investors to prioritize modern warehouse development to secure food sovereignty, emphasizing that expanding storage capacity is not optional but a necessity for Ghana's economic resilience and public safety.
