Ghana’s food security is under threat as the country imports about 90% of its vegetable seeds and local farmers struggle to sell their produce due to massive food imports.
The National Seed Trade Association of Ghana (NASTAG) says the situation has left farmers stranded with maize, rice and soybeans they cannot sell even at reduced prices.
The Association raised the concerns when its leadership met with flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in Accra on Friday, September 11, 2026, as part of his stakeholder policy consultations.
NASTAG, the umbrella body of certified private seed producers in Ghana, attributed the problem to over-reliance on imports flooding the local market.
It also pointed to regulatory gaps in the National Seed Policy and what it describes as the hijacking of public seed procurement by “political seed merchants”, coupled with infrastructural challenges.
Responding to the concerns, Dr. Bawumia described the situation as troubling and unacceptable. “It is really troubling and unacceptable that we have a situation where farmers cannot sell their produce after investing and putting in so much effort,” he said.
The former Vice President noted that the development is not only a disincentive to farmers but also impacts agriculture negatively.
Dr. Bawumia assured the Association that agriculture remains non-negotiable for national development and promised sweeping reforms to protect local farmers and ensure food sovereignty if he becomes President.
“I am very committed to agriculture. It is the key to our development and we must put in the resources to help grow the sector,” he assured them.
He says his administration will invest heavily in research and sector transformation and learn from what has worked in other countries.
Dr. Bawumia thanked the leadership of NASTAG for their candidness and assured that his team will continue to engage them for practical solutions.
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