Ghana to ban commercial rice imports by 2030 under new production plan

The government plans to prohibit commercial rice imports by the end of 2030 as part of a broader strategy to expand domestic production, create jobs and strengthen the local rice industry.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the policy while presenting the 2027 Budget to Parliament on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

He said the government would also amend public procurement laws to require public institutions to purchase only Ghanaian rice with public funds.

The measure will apply to rice and other staple foodstuffs procured for schools, hospitals and other public institutions.

Dr Forson said the policy would ensure that public spending supports local farmers while providing a reliable market for their produce.

“This will ensure that public spending feeds our children, patients, and other beneficiaries while providing a reliable market for Ghanaian farmers and creating jobs here at home,” he said.

As part of the strategy, the government will establish rice development hubs in the Volta Basin, Western Ghana and Northern Ghana.

The hubs will bring together irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation, storage facilities, modern mills, packaging and logistics to support production and processing.

According to the Finance Minister, the initiative is expected to bring an additional 100,000 hectares under rice cultivation, with targeted yields of between five and six metric tonnes per hectare.

He said the hubs would also support about 125,000 jobs.

Dr Forson said the rice development hubs would benefit from targeted tax incentives covering investments in irrigation, mechanisation, silos, modern mills, packaging and logistics.

“These incentives will lower investment costs, reduce post-harvest losses, and help Ghanaian rice reach consumers at competitive prices,” he said.

The government expects the incentives to encourage investment across the rice value chain, from cultivation to processing, storage and distribution.

The Finance Minister also announced a new arrangement under which rice import licences will be tied to purchases from verified Ghanaian farmers and millers from 2027.

He said the proportion of local rice that importers would be required to purchase would increase as domestic production expands, while import quotas would gradually decline.

“Commercial rice imports will be prohibited by end of 2030. That decision will be backed by domestic production, milling, storage, quality assurance, and reliable distribution,” he said.

The proposed restrictions are expected to be supported by increased local production and investment in processing and distribution infrastructure.

Agriculture remains a significant part of Ghana’s economy, contributing to employment, exports and livelihoods.

The government says Ghana spends billions of dollars annually importing food and agricultural products that could be produced locally.

The rice policy forms part of the broader effort to increase domestic production, retain more value within the economy and create opportunities for farmers and businesses.

Implementation of the rice development hubs, procurement reforms and import-licensing arrangements is expected to begin in 2027.