Eric Opoku signs MoU for 21,000-tonne grain storage in Upper West

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DMT Collateral Management to construct a new 21,000-metric-tonne grain storage facility in the Upper West Region. This project, a key initiative under the government's Feed Ghana Programme, represents a strategic investment aimed at modernizing the nation's agricultural infrastructure. The facility is scheduled to be completed and fully operational by August 2027.

The project involves a significant financial commitment, backed by investments of approximately €4.8 million and $5 million, bringing the total value to roughly $10 million. Paul Minlah, the Managing Director of DMT Collateral Management, noted that the facility will incorporate a specialized emergency reserve component alongside its commercial storage capacity. This dual functionality is designed to provide a critical buffer for the national food supply, protecting against shortages and price volatility.

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, emphasized that the new infrastructure addresses a long-standing challenge in Ghana’s agricultural sector: high post-harvest losses. He noted that the lack of adequate storage has historically reduced farmer incomes and threatened food security. By situating this high-capacity facility in the Upper West Region, a primary grain-producing area, the government aims to stabilize the market and ensure that harvests are preserved for longer periods.

Looking ahead, the Minister indicated that this project is part of a broader national strategy to expand modern storage facilities across all regions. The initiative is intended to create an integrated network that supports local farmers and enhances the overall efficiency of the agricultural value chain. Additionally, private sector support continues to bolster the industry, as seen with Omanbapa AgriTech Limited providing promotional materials for the upcoming 42nd National Farmers’ Day celebration.