Despite increasing domestic production, Ghana’s rice imports are projected to surpass one million metric tons in the 2025/26 season—covering over half of the country’s total consumption needs. This is according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) 2025 Grain and Feed Annual Report.
Milled rice production is expected to reach 900,000 metric tons, marking an 18% rise from the previous year, supported by favorable weather conditions and greater farmer participation. However, this growth faces uncertainty due to climate risks. The Ghana Meteorological Agency forecasts below-average rainfall and extended dry spells for 2025, raising concerns about the sustainability of the crop.
Rice consumption is projected to grow to 1.80 million metric tons, up from 1.75 million, driven by population growth and shifting dietary preferences. Urban consumers continue to prefer imported fragrant long-grain rice, particularly from Thailand, Vietnam, and India.
The USDA highlighted a steep rise in rice prices—between March 2024 and January 2025, the average price of a 100kg bag surged from GH¢200 to GH¢650, a 225% increase. Though prices fell to GH¢400 by March 2025, they remained double the previous year’s levels.
In early 2025, import prices continued to dominate:
- Thai fragrant rice (25kg): GH¢690
- Vietnamese rice (25kg): GH¢490
- Local long-grain rice (25kg): GH¢535
With 70% of rice consumed in Ghana imported, local producers struggle to compete on both cost and quality. The USDA cited persistent structural challenges, including limited irrigation, low mechanization, and weak processing capabilities, as major barriers to self-sufficiency.
“Unless these bottlenecks are addressed, Ghana will continue to depend on imports, leaving consumers vulnerable to global price fluctuations and currency volatility,” the report warned.
Rice is now the country’s second most consumed cereal after maize, with average annual consumption per person at 51kg. While government initiatives like the National School Feeding Programme aim to boost demand for local rice, issues such as inconsistent quality, supply shortages, and poor distribution continue to hinder progress.
