'Rice for schoolchildren must come from Ghanaian farms' – Ato Forson

The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced plans to amend the Public Procurement Act to compel public institutions to purchase locally produced rice for schoolchildren and security personnel.

He said the proposed amendment would require institutions spending public funds on food procurement to source rice from Ghanaian farmers rather than rely on imports.

“We are going to amend the Public Procurement Act to ensure that, at a minimum, if you are using Ghana’s money to buy rice for Ghanaian schoolchildren or our men and women in uniform, that rice must come from a Ghanaian farm,” he said.

Dr Forson made the remarks during an interview on the Citi Breakfast Show on Friday, November 13, 2026.

He explained that the proposed legal changes were intended to create a guaranteed market for locally produced rice and strengthen the government's efforts to support domestic agriculture.

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The minister cited the School Feeding Programme and the Free Senior High School policy as major public procurement channels that could provide a ready market for Ghanaian farmers.

According to him, the two programmes spend approximately GH¢6 billion annually on feeding, presenting significant opportunities for local farmers to supply rice, maize and other food products.

Dr Forson questioned why public institutions should continue importing rice when local farmers have produce to sell, arguing that government-funded food procurement should support domestic production.

He further stressed that the proposed requirement would be legally binding, warning that public institutions that fail to comply with the amended procurement law could face sanctions.

MRA/BAI

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presents the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy