The President, John Dramani Mahama, has issued a directive aimed at centralising the procurement of rice for schools nationwide to ensure the consistent purchase and distribution of locally produced rice.
This move follows reports that several schools continue to procure imported rice for feeding programmes, contravening an earlier government policy that encourages institutions to source food items locally.
In a communique to the Ministry of Education, the President expressed concern that the continued purchase of imported rice undermines government efforts to bolster local agricultural production, support Ghanaian rice farmers, and retain economic value within the country.
The president, therefore, 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 procuring, aggregating, and supplying locally produced rice to schools nationwide.
The Ministry of Education has been tasked with collaborating 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 government is supporting local agriculture by improving market access for Ghanaian rice farmers and promoting local value chain.
The president has asked the Ministry of Education to urgently implement this measure and keep him informed.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
