The General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) has raised concerns about the detrimental effects of illegal rice imports on the local rice industry in our country. Despite official figures indicating a decline in rice imports over the past three years, GAWU's market assessment and investigations have revealed a different reality on the ground.
Mr. Edward Kareweh, the General Secretary of GAWU, emphasized that a significant amount of foreign rice is being smuggled into the country through unapproved routes, posing a serious threat to the local rice industry. The illegally imported rice, sourced from neighboring countries such as Togo, Cote D’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, is being sold at prices 20 to 30 percent cheaper than locally produced rice, creating an uneven playing field for local rice producers.
This situation has led to a flood of imported rice in the local market, making it challenging for our local rice producers to compete effectively. Despite President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's announcement of a 45 percent decline in rice imports between 2021 and 2023, the actual impact on the local industry has been far from positive.
Farmers in the northern part of the country are particularly affected, as they are struggling to find a market for their harvested rice. The oversaturation of the market with imported rice has led to a bleak outlook for local rice millers, with some even considering shutting down operations due to the lack of demand for their product.
The root cause of this issue lies in the failure of government systems to address the challenges faced by local rice producers. Mr. Kareweh rightly points out that a coordinated approach and collaboration among various stakeholders along the value chain are essential to combat this problem effectively.
In light of these developments, it is imperative for the government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the various rice brands available in the market. This evaluation will help identify which rice brands have been imported through authorized channels and provide insights into the scope of the problem, enabling appropriate action to be taken.
It is crucial for all stakeholders, including the government, farmers, millers, and other actors in the rice value chain, to work together to tackle the issue of illegal rice imports. By addressing this challenge collectively, we can protect and promote the interests of our local rice industry, ensuring its sustainability and growth in the face of external pressures.
The impact of illegal rice imports on our local rice industry cannot be underestimated. It is time for concerted efforts to safeguard the future of our local rice producers and preserve the integrity of our domestic rice market.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | Ghana Crimes
