The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) has stocked tens of thousands of bags of grains and other staples across Ghana, backed by a GH¢100 million government fund aimed at building a national food reserve. By the end of 2025, NAFCO had stored 36,597 bags of maize, 21,287 bags of rice, and 5,982 bags of gari in warehouses located in Tamale, Badu, Kumbungu, Dzodze, Wenchi, and Kumasi.
NAFCO Chief Executive Officer George Abradu-Otoo said the National Food Reserve Programme is designed to hold food stocks that can be released in emergencies, disasters, or during times of high food prices. “Under this program, NAFCO is required to keep or hold some quantity of food as a buffer for the nation and release it when necessary, including emergencies, disasters and high food cost seasons,” he said.
The programme was relaunched following reports of grain surpluses in some parts of the country, especially rice and maize. The goal is to help reduce food price inflation, prevent post-harvest losses, and support government agricultural efforts.
NAFCO’s work goes beyond stocking grains. The company has embarked on an extensive rehabilitation and expansion of storage facilities across Ghana. Abradu-Otoo explained that many warehouses were falling into disrepair and no longer suitable for storing food.
To address this, NAFCO has started upgrading its warehouses with aid from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, ECOWAS, and the World Food Programme. The upgrades include installing laboratories, testing equipment, and digital tracking devices. Staff training and retraining are also part of the programme.
NAFCO has also strengthened its regional presence. All 16 regional offices are now fully operational, improving food stock management nationwide.
The company’s financial results for 2025 reflect a significant turnaround. NAFCO reported a net profit before tax of GH¢91.7 million, its highest since it was established 16 years ago. This reversed a GH¢19.4 million loss from the previous year.
NAFCO paid GH¢20.3 million in taxes to the state in 2025, the highest annual tax contribution in its history.
Abradu-Otoo credited the improved performance to structural reforms within the company. These included creating a dedicated Procurement Department, strengthening the Internal Audit and Food Safety departments, and reconstituting the Board and its sub-committees.
“The year 2025 was a turning point. We recorded our highest profit in 16 years. We improved payments to our suppliers. We resourced our regions. We paid the highest tax to the state,” he said. “We have consolidated. We have shown what is possible. Now we build.”
The government’s GH¢100 million investment in the food reserve programme signals a long-term approach to managing Ghana’s food supply. By holding stocks when prices are low and releasing them when markets tighten, NAFCO aims to protect consumers and farmers from volatile food prices.
As Ghana faces unpredictable weather patterns and global supply chain challenges, maintaining a national food buffer could prove essential. For now, NAFCO’s revived programme puts the country in a better position to respond to food emergencies and price shocks.
According to Joy Online.
