President John Dramani Mahama has directed that the procurement of rice for schools across the country be centralised to ensure the consistent purchase and distribution of locally produced rice.

The directive follows reports that several schools continue to procure imported rice for feeding programmes, contrary to an earlier government policy encouraging institutions to source food items

locally.

In a communication addressed to the Ministry of Education, the President expressed concern that the continued purchase of imported rice undermines government efforts to strengthen local agricultural production, support Ghanaian rice farmers, and retain economic value within the country.

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To address the situation, the President has ordered the immediate reallocation and centralisation of rice procurement for schools.

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

The Ministry of Education has been tasked to collaborate with the Ghana Education Service and the Buffer Stock Company to ensure the effective implementation of the directive, including establishing coordination and distribution mechanisms to facilitate the timely supply of local rice.

The measure forms part of the government’s broader efforts to support domestic agriculture, improve market access for Ghanaian rice farmers, reduce reliance on imported food commodities, and promote local value chains.

The Office of the President has asked the Ministry of Education to treat the matter as urgent and keep it informed of the implementation arrangements put in place.By:Patricia Boakye