The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has accused government-linked contractors of importing rice for the School Feeding Programme in violation of directives to prioritise locally produced food.

Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on April 3, 2026, he described the development as a serious breach of procurement expectations and a setback to efforts aimed at boosting local agriculture.

According to him, contractors engaged under the programme had been instructed to source rice from local farmers but instead opted for imports, effectively sidelining producers who had prepared their harvests in anticipation of government support.

“This is not a market failure. It is a procurement betrayal,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin said the situation poses significant risks to Ghana’s rice value chain, particularly for farmers who rely on government-backed programmes for market access and income stability.

He also raised concerns over transparency, noting that the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) has failed to respond to repeated requests from the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana to publish the list of contractors involved.

The Minority Leader indicated that the Minority Caucus in Parliament would pursue the matter further, including demanding full disclosure of procurement contracts and the identities of beneficiaries.

He stressed the need for reforms to ensure that state-sponsored agricultural initiatives genuinely support local producers, warning that continued lapses could undermine confidence in policies designed to enhance food security and rural livelihoods.