Research scientists believe Ghana has strong potential to achieve food self-sufficiency if urgent measures are taken to reduce post-harvest losses and food waste across the agricultural value chain.
They warn that despite increased food production at the farm level, high levels of waste are worsening the national food price crisis.
Speaking on Luv FM’s morning show, Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante, a rice breeder and Director of the CSIR-Crops Research Institute, emphasized that Ghana could significantly reduce food imports and save billions of cedis if appropriate policies are implemented.
“With the right use of our resources—especially in rice production—Ghana could become self-sufficient in rice within 10 years and save over one billion cedis,” he stated.
He noted that although food is cheaper at the farmgate due to bumper harvests, urban consumers aren’t benefiting because of poor road infrastructure, high fuel costs, and the influence of middlemen in the supply chain.
“Transport costs and bad roads drive up market prices. Until these are addressed, consumers won’t feel the impact of cheaper farm produce,” he explained.
Prof. Asante called for improved buffer stock systems and regulation of middlemen and market influencers to ensure fair pricing and food availability.
Faustina Okyere, a Food Scientist at CSIR, highlighted the role of proper post-harvest handling in extending the shelf life of perishable crops, helping to reduce losses and price volatility.
“Better post-harvest practices alone can give farmers better value for their crops and ease market shortages,” she said.
She revealed that CSIR has developed two new tomato varieties with significantly longer shelf life, which could help stabilize prices throughout the year.
Ms. Okyere also encouraged households to adopt proper storage habits, noting that tomatoes can last up to a month in a refrigerator set to just 4°C, helping reduce domestic food waste.
Both experts urged the government to promote local rice consumption in schools and public institutions to support local farmers. They also encouraged backyard gardening to boost household food security.
They concluded that with government support, farmer education, and consumer awareness, Ghana can reduce its dependence on food imports and move towards sustainable food sufficiency.
