President John Dramani Mahama has announced a renewed financial intervention to support Ghanaian farmers grappling with unsold maize and falling market prices. Speaking at the launch of the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme in the Ashanti Region, the president pledged an additional GH¢200 million to the National Food Buffer Stock Company to purchase surplus maize and rice from farmers across the country.
“I have seen the predicament of our farmers crying over the already harvested maize, yet they are not making any sales at the price they want to sell,” President Mahama said. “And if they sell it at a lower price, they will run at a loss.”
He explained that an earlier allocation of GH¢100 million had already been disbursed to the Buffer Stock Company to mop up excess maize from the market and store it for future release when prices improve. However, he noted that the funds had been exhausted and significant quantities of maize still remain unsold.
“So I have asked the finance minister to give the Buffer [Stock Company] 200 million cedis to buy the excess from maize in the market and keep some so that when the prices go up next year, it can be brought out into the market for sale,” he stated. “And the same will be for rice farmers too.”
The president’s remarks come amid growing concerns from farmers and agricultural stakeholders about post-harvest losses and the lack of viable market access for staple crops. Many maize farmers, particularly in the northern and middle belts, have reported difficulties selling their produce at profitable rates due to market saturation and limited storage options.
The additional funding is expected to ease the burden on farmers, stabilize prices, and ensure food security by maintaining strategic reserves. It also signals the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural value chain and protecting livelihoods in the sector.
The Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme, launched alongside this announcement, aims to boost rural development and agricultural productivity through infrastructure, training, and market linkages.
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