Perception that our local brands are inferior is outdated, inaccurate – Eat Ghana Rice campaign

The Eat Ghana Rice Campaign says the perception that local rice brands are inferior is outdated and inaccurate.

They say the quality of Ghana Rice brands has improved dramatically over the years, and are urging Ghanaians to purchase and try it, to help reduce the current rice glut facing farmers across the country.

“We understand that for years, the primary barrier to purchasing Ghana Rice was the lingering perception of inferior quality and concerns about the presence of stones and foreign materials.

“We are here to declare that this perception is outdated and inaccurate,” a statement issued by Dr Nana Ama Aning Oppong–Duah of the Eat Ghana Rice Campaign noted.

“The Ghana Rice value chain has undergone a dramatic technological revolution. Millers have invested heavily in state-of-the-art dehusking, grading, polishing, and colour sorting equipment.”

“Our leading brands are now meticulously processed using sophisticated machinery to ensure a clean, consumer-ready grain, in conformity with Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) standards,” the statement added.

The campaign says: “Ghana Rice grains are now beautifully polished, consistent in size, and deliver the non-sticky, fluffy texture that is essential for perfect Jollof, Waakye, and Plain Rice dishes.”

“Unlike imported rice that spends months in transit, Ghana Rice comes straight from our fields to your plate, retaining a fresh, unique aroma and flavour, and is healthier and more nutritious. Ghana Rice brands are also cheaper,” the campaign added.

The Eat Ghana Rice Campaign Partners include the John A. Kufuor Foundation, Competitive African Rice Platform (CARP) of the ECOWAS Rice Observatory (ERO), Ghana Rice Interprofessional Body (GRIB), Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Hopeline Institute, Farm Wallet, and AGRA.

Media reports over the last week have indicated that an estimated 1.3 million metric tonnes of paddy rice are currently stalled, unsold, and stored in warehouses across the country due to a lack of buyers.

According to the Committee for the Promotion of Local Rice and Other Commodities, although significant volumes of rice have already been harvested this year, much of this produce remains unsold and locked away without buyers.

The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) says government has released funding for it to purchase excess stock to help salvage the situation. But the campaign says the government alone cannot solve the problem.

“While we support these efforts by the government to mop up the glut, we call on Ghanaians to join the efforts and play our individual roles in helping tackle the challenge,” the statement said.

“Since 2019, the Eat Ghana Rice Campaign has been emphasising that the main sustainable and definitive solution lies in a collective, fundamental shift in our national consumption habits.

“The simple act of choosing Ghana Rice over imported ones will reduce the glut and empower our agricultural sector for the long term.”

The Ghana Statistical Service’s 2024 Trade Report indicates that rice accounted for 7.8% of our nation’s total food imports in 2024, despite the availability of high-quality Ghana Rice alternatives.

In monetary terms, Ghana spent GH¢3 billion on rice importation last year.

“Every grain of imported rice purchased is a vote of confidence in foreign farmers and foreign economies,” the partners noted.

“Consuming Ghana Rice is a patriotic investment in the future of our food systems. It is the most direct way for every Ghanaian citizen, household, restaurant, hotel, and company to keep billions of Cedis circulating within the Ghanaian economy.”

The statement said buying Ghana Rice “can also help ensure a stable currency and create more jobs for women and youth. It will additionally build our national resilience against global food price shocks and supply chain disruptions.”

“We urge every Ghanaian to walk into the market or supermarket today and actively seek out Ghana Rice brands and purchase for the good of our dear Mother Ghana,” the campaign said.

Source: myjoyonline.com