Ghana pushes rice revolution as 90 trainees graduate

Ho, Aug. 02, GNA – Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transform Ghana’s rice industry, to create sufficiency in the production of the commodity.

He gave the affirmation at the closing ceremony of the Rice Master Training Programme (RMTP) – Edition 1, Session 3, at Ho, citing the training initiative as timely and in line with the government’s agricultural policy direction, particularly the efforts to cut rice importation and scale up local production, as highlighted in the 2025 Budget and Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review.

The event marked the graduation of 90 participants from across West Africa who were trained in critical aspects of the rice value chain, including production, processing, and milling technologies.

The RMTP was organized by Africa Rice in collaboration with the MOVE project, the German Development Agency (GIZ), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with the aim of building local and regional capacity in rice production and value addition.

The Regional Minister said, “This programme perfectly aligns with our strategic vision to strengthen Ghana’s rice sector and reduce our dependency on imports.”

He outlined key ongoing government interventions, including the expansion of irrigation infrastructure, access to credit for inputs, improved market access, and increased private sector participation in the development of rice mills and storage facilities.

Mr. Gunu also said he had recently toured rice farms in the region to engage with farmers for a better understanding of their operational challenges and gather other first-hand information.

“These engagements are essential for informing policy direction and ensuring our interventions match the realities on the ground,” he added, sharing his plans to continue visits across more districts in the coming weeks.

He congratulated the graduates, describing them as “ambassadors of transformation” for the rice sector in Ghana and beyond.

“I trust that the knowledge and skills you have gained will contribute meaningfully to your communities and the national economy,” Mr. Gunu said.

He called for sustained collaboration between government, private sector, and international partners to strengthen Ghana and Africa’s position as a rising rice production hub.

The RMTP is expected to play a key role in achieving regional food security and empowering agripreneurs through technical and business skills in the rice value chain.

Graduates are now expected to replicate their skills in their respective countries and communities, accelerating progress toward local rice self-sufficiency.