ASHANTI REGIONAL MINISTER WARNS FOOD INSECURITY COULD THREATEN NATIONAL STABILITY
Frank Amoakohene urges stronger policy action as National Food Buffer Stock Company CEO George Abradu-Otoo tours schools and storage facilities to bolster Ghana’s food reserves.
Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has stressed on the urgent need for a strong, policy-backed approach to food security, warning that any failure to safeguard the country’s food supply could threaten national peace and stability.
He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), George Abradu-Otoo, at his office in Kumasi on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
As part of his regional tour, the Buffer Stock CEO is visiting selected senior high schools, warehouses and agricultural facilities across the Eastern, Ashanti, Bono and Bono East regions this week to improve operational efficiency and reinforce food security measures.
Dr Amoakohene praised NAFCO’s leading role in the ongoing National Food Reserve Programme but stressed that more interventions are needed to secure the nation’s food system.
“I am aware of the Food Reserve Programme, and I commend you for it, but many of our local farmers, especially rice farmers and millers, are still calling for support,” he noted.
“We need to intensify our efforts, particularly in processing, hygiene and safety. Without food security, our peace and stability could be at risk,” he cautioned.
In response, Mr Abradu-Otoo assured that measures are being implemented to protect the country’s food supply. These include engaging government and development partners for additional funding, increasing grain purchases, and expanding as well as rehabilitating storage infrastructure.
During the tour, the NAFCO CEO visited Prempeh College, where he was welcomed by the Headmaster, Very Rev. Lewis Asare. The school, which has a student population of 4,256, reported sufficient food supplies and credited Buffer Stock’s support for the improvement.
“The challenge used to be accessing food, but now we have it in abundance. I have no worries at all,” the Headmaster stated.
Mr Abradu-Otoo also inspected NAFCO’s warehouse at Duase, which holds grains under the National Food Reserve Programme, as well as silos and storage facilities of the defunct Ghana Food Distribution Corporation in Sekyedumase, Ejura and other locations.
