President Mahama Procures Buffer Stock Company to Supply Locally Produced Rice to Schools

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Food Buffer Stock Company to centralise the procurement and supply of locally produced rice to all schools across Ghana.

The directive forms part of government’s broader strategy to strengthen the local rice industry while ensuring a reliable and efficient supply of food items to schools under the national feeding programmes.

According to the President, the centralised system will enable the Buffer Stock Company to purchase rice directly from local farmers and millers, creating a stable market for domestic producers and reducing dependence on imported rice.

He explained that the move would also improve quality control, streamline distribution and eliminate inefficiencies that have often characterised the supply chain to schools.

President Mahama emphasised that prioritising locally produced rice would boost the agricultural sector, increase farmers’ incomes and encourage more young people to venture into rice production.

The initiative is also expected to support government’s food security agenda and strengthen the operations of school feeding programmes by ensuring that schools receive adequate and consistent food supplies.

Officials say the Buffer Stock Company will work closely with rice farmers, aggregators and millers across the country to ensure that locally produced rice is procured, stored and distributed effectively to schools nationwide.