BY DANIEL BAMPOE
Former Vice President and 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has visited rice farmers at Asutsuare in the Shai-Osudoku District to assess challenges threatening local rice production and the livelihoods of farming communities under the Kpong Irrigation Scheme.
The visit, which took place on Friday, November 13, 2026, followed concerns raised by farmers over the difficulty in finding buyers for locally produced rice and delays in the rehabilitation of Phase Two of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme.
During his engagement with the farmers, Dr. Bawumia listened to their concerns and called for a stronger policy framework to protect local rice producers, improve market access and encourage the consumption of Ghanaian-grown rice.
A major concern raised by the farmers was the accumulation of locally produced rice in warehouses due to a lack of ready buyers. They warned that the situation was putting pressure on their businesses, threatening their incomes and undermining the sustainability of rice production in the area.
Excessive Rice Imports
Former Vice President attributed the lack of market for locally produced rice to the excessive importation of foreign rice into the country.
“The excessive importation of rice into Ghana is the biggest reason your locally produced rice is not being purchased,” Dr. Bawumia told rice farmers.
The visit was aimed at ascertaining the challenges confronting rice farmers in the area, particularly the persistent market difficulties that have left significant quantities of locally produced rice without buyers.
The engagement follows a demonstration staged by rice farmers on September 17, 2026, to draw attention to the growing rice glut and the difficulties they face in selling their produce despite investing substantial resources in cultivation.
The farmers have repeatedly raised concerns about the accumulation of unsold rice stocks, warning that the situation threatens their livelihoods and could discourage future production if urgent measures are not taken.
Dr. Bawumia’s remarks have once again brought attention to the longstanding debate over Ghana’s dependence on imported rice despite the country’s capacity to produce significant quantities locally.
The Asutsuare rice farmers, who form part of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme farming community, have been seeking government intervention and support to secure a reliable market for their produce.
The situation has become a major concern for the local agricultural sector, with calls for stronger policies to protect local rice production, promote consumption of Ghanaian rice and ensure that farmers receive fair returns on their investments.
Dr. Bawumia also highlighted the need for government to complete Phase Two of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation, which, according to the concerns raised during the visit, has remained stalled for about two years.
He stressed that completing the project would help restore agricultural activities, create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of farmers and other residents who depend on the irrigation scheme.
The Kpong Irrigation Scheme is an important agricultural infrastructure project supporting rice cultivation and economic activities in Asutsuare and surrounding communities. Delays in its rehabilitation have therefore become a concern for farmers whose production depends on reliable irrigation facilities.
The visit offered Dr. Bawumia an opportunity to engage directly with farmers and hear their concerns about market access, infrastructure and government support for local rice production.
