GHC200 Million Boost for Maize Farmers as President Mahama Acts to Ease Surplus Crisis

The President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, has announced an additional GHC200 million to support maize farmers struggling with a surplus in the market. This move comes after the government had already allocated GHC100 million to purchase excess maize, which has been fully utilized.

Speaking at the launch of the Nkoko Nkentenkete program in Kumasi, President Mahama directed the National Buffer Stock Company to immediately start buying the surplus maize on the market. He noted that despite the initial allocation, tons of maize remain unsold, leaving farmers struggling to find buyers.

The intervention aims to cushion farmers affected by the glut and stabilize food prices. The government has also directed the School Feeding Secretariat to purchase surplus eggs to support farmers and provide nutritious meals for students.

This move has been welcomed by farmers and agricultural stakeholders, who have been calling for government intervention to address the crisis. President Mahama emphasized the need to support Ghanaian farmers, stating, “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”.

The additional funding is expected to ease the burden on farmers, stabilize prices, and ensure food security by maintaining strategic reserves.