The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) has stated that it needs at least GH¢770 million to effectively manage the current food glut affecting farmers nationwide.
NAFCO’s CEO, George Abradu-Otoo, shared that although the company expects a GH¢200 million allocation in the 2026 budget, this amount is far below what is required. He highlighted ongoing funding challenges, explaining that NAFCO has never received dedicated financial resources to purchase surplus produce from farmers directly.
“Initially, we were allocated GH¢100 million. The Minister recently informed me that an additional GH¢100 million was added. The expected GH¢200 million in the next budget is just a drop in the ocean, but it is a welcome first step,” Abradu-Otoo said.
He confirmed that NAFCO has deployed agents to farming communities to begin buying surplus food for storage in its warehouses. “For many years, no government provided Buffer Stock funds to mop up excess produce in the field. This is the beginning. While the amount requested is much higher than what we’ve obtained so far, it’s a modest start. We are actively working now, and very soon, the situation will improve,” he added.
His remarks come amid mounting reports of food gluts in major farming regions, where limited market access has left many farmers unable to sell their produce.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com