The Competitive African Rice Platform (CARP Ghana), a multi-stakeholder platform representing the ECOWAS Rice Observatory, has held its General Assembly meeting in Tamale to deliberate on strategies for revitalizing Ghana’s rice sector.
The meeting, which was supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), brought together rice producers, processors, input dealers, civil society organisations, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
It was on the theme: “Building Resilience and Competitiveness in Ghana’s Rice Value Chain Amid Market and Cost Pressures.”
Mr Mohammed Habib Abdulai, National Coordinator of CARP Ghana, speaking during the meeting, said it was targeted at strengthening coordination among rice value chain actors and providing a framework for collective action.
He explained that the objectives of the meeting included the presentation and adoption of the CARP Ghana constitution, information sharing and decision-making on key sectoral issues, and capacity building through workshops and networking sessions.
Mr Abdulai added that the assembly sought to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and collective ownership of decisions among stakeholders while promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration to drive the growth of Ghana’s rice industry.
Dr Betty Annan, Country Director of AGRA Ghana, commended CARP Ghana for creating a platform that fostered alignment and partnership among rice value chain actors.
She said AGRA had been proud to support the establishment of CARP Ghana, adding that collaboration was critical to achieving a resilient and competitive rice sector.
Dr Annan said, “The establishment of CARP Ghana is a remarkable achievement that reflects the growing recognition that collaboration and alignment are essential to building a resilient and competitive rice industry. AGRA remains deeply committed to Ghana’s rice agenda through investments in climate-smart and high-yielding rice varieties that empower farmers and enhance productivity.”
She also highlighted AGRA’s support for the “Eat Ghana Rice” campaign, which continued to promote local rice consumption, strengthen markets, and drive demand for domestically produced rice.
Dr Annan reiterated AGRA’s commitment to work with the government, private sector, and development partners to ensure Ghana achieved rice self-sufficiency.
Mr Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, whose speech was read on his behalf, lauded the initiative of CARP Ghana and its partners, describing the rice sector as a critical pillar of Ghana’s food security and economic development.
Mr John said “Rice is not merely a staple food; it is a cornerstone of food security, a source of livelihood for millions, and a catalyst for economic growth. However, the full potential of our local rice value chain remains underutilized.”
He urged stakeholders to use the General Assembly to develop actionable strategies that addressed sectoral challenges and promoted innovation, collaboration and resilience.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the rice value chain through initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Project and the National Rice Development Strategy II, aimed at improving productivity, market systems and private investment.
