The Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, George Abradu-Otoo, says the level of government funding allocated to the company is far below what is required to effectively tackle the widespread food glut currently affecting farmers nationwide.
Speaking to journalists, he revealed that the company had requested a minimum of GH¢770 million to mop up excess produce across the country, but so far has received only GH¢100 million, with another GH¢100 million pledged. A further GH¢200 million is expected to be announced in the 2026 Budget.
Even with these allocations, Mr. Abradu-Otoo describes the funding as insufficient.
“It is like a drop in the ocean,” he said. “But I am happy because this is the first time Buffer Stock is receiving money specifically to go out and mop up excess produce.”
He explained that despite the limited funds, the company has dispatched its contracted agents to farm gates to buy up surplus produce for storage in Buffer Stock warehouses. This, he believes, will bring some relief to farmers struggling to find ready markets.
“For so many years, no government gave Buffer Stock money to go into the field and buy the excess,” he noted. “This is only the beginning, and even though the amount is far lower than what we requested, it is a modest start.”
Mr. Abradu-Otoo emphasized that the company’s initial request for GH¢770 million reflected the scale of the glut and the volume of produce that must be absorbed to stabilise the market.
Reports in recent weeks indicate significant surpluses in key staple crops, leaving farmers frustrated as their produce begins to rot due to a lack of buyers.
