Cassiel Ato Forson plans law to mandate local rice and sugar procurement

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced a significant policy shift aimed at bolstering Ghana’s agricultural sector by amending the Public Procurement Act. The proposed amendment will mandate that all public institutions, particularly those involved in food distribution and catering, prioritize the purchase of locally produced rice and sugar. This initiative is designed to create a reliable and guaranteed market for domestic farmers, effectively reducing the country's heavy reliance on food imports.

The Minister highlighted that the disconnect between domestic production and institutional procurement has long hindered the growth of local farming. He specifically cited the Ghana School Feeding Programme as a key institution that will be required to source its supplies from local producers. With these programs collectively spending approximately GH₵6 billion annually on feeding, the government views this as a critical opportunity to inject substantial capital directly into the local agricultural economy.

Beyond providing a market for farmers, the new legal framework will introduce strict enforcement measures to ensure compliance. Dr. Forson warned that public officials and institutions that fail to adhere to the local procurement requirements could face legal penalties. By formalizing this requirement through an amendment to the Public Procurement Act, the government aims to transform the agricultural value chain and ensure that public funds are utilized to support indigenous industrialization and food security.