Government is making efforts to rehabilitate and increase the number of storage facilities in the country to prevent post-harvest losses and to help farmers make a profit from the sale of their produce.
The Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company ( NAFCO),George Abradu-Otoo, who announced this during inspection of food situation in Senior High Schools and warehouses in Ashanti region, said they have put in place measures to get more storage facilities.
Mr Abradu_ Otoo is touring selected senior high schools,warehouses, and other agricultural facilities Across Ashanti ,Eastern ,Bono East and Bone Regions to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen Food security initiatives.
Farmers in the Ashanti are known for the cultivation of grains including rice, fruits and vegetables. However, post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities, farmers to sell their products cheaply at the farm gate.
The Chief Executive Officer of National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), George Abradu- Otoo, said they have plans of designating some of their warehouses as storage point or depot for suppliers.
He said the facilities would protect Ghanaian farmers and also boost production for potential export.
“We do not expect farmers to carry their produce to the major cities in search of market, the licence buying companies will come to the farm gates to buy their produce. So this will be an encouragement to farmers to produce without distress over where to get market. The most important thing is that we protect the Ghanaian farmer, they must not be cheated. They will partake in discussions on how to arrive at a minimum guaranteed price for various commodities,” he explained.
He said it has enough supplies for schools, but it is working to increase the stock levels.
Our problem currently is the storage facilities for the schools.
He said contrary to suggestions, the company is making impressive strides to store more food for later distribution to schools.
We have enough to sustain us, and we are working very hard to increase our stock levels. I don’t see the challenge being as a result of lack of food.
He visited Prempeh College and some warehouses at Duase, Ejura and other places.
