President John Dramani Mahama has directed that imported rice should no longer be supplied to schools across Ghana, urging institutions to prioritise locally produced rice in their feeding programmes.

The directive forms part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector, reduce reliance on food imports, and create a stable market for local rice farmers.

Speaking on the importance of the policy, the president emphasised that Ghana produces significant quantities of quality rice that can meet the needs of schools and other public institutions.

According to him, supporting local rice producers will not only improve farmers’ livelihoods but also contribute to job creation along the agricultural value chain.

The order is expected to affect various government-supported feeding initiatives, including the Ghana School Feeding Programme, which provides meals to thousands of pupils in public basic schools nationwide.

Under the new arrangement, the Ghana Buffer Stock Company Limited will handle the procurement, aggregation, and nationwide distribution of locally produced rice to schools.

The Ministry of Education (Ghana) has been directed to work closely with the Ghana Education Service and the Buffer Stock Company to ensure the policy is effectively implemented. This includes setting up proper coordination and distribution systems to guarantee the timely delivery of local rice to schools across the country.

The move aligns with ongoing national efforts to promote local production and reduce Ghana’s food import bill, while strengthening food security in the country.