The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana has raised concerns about the government’s proposal to build a 60,000-tonne grain silo, questioning both its cost and location.
The Chamber argues that the $64 million price is too high, given the current economic challenges and the need to prioritize other agricultural developments.
‘‘The funds could be better utilised in other areas of agricultural development, such as supporting farmers, improving irrigation systems and enhancing agricultural research’’, Chief Executive Officer at the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Anthony Kofituo Morrison indicated.
Ghana’s agricultural sector is a key contributor to the national economy, making up around 20 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and providing jobs for about 52 percent of the workforce.
Maize and rice are among the country’s primary crops.
According to the Chamber’s research, the planned site in the Kwahu and Eastern Regions is not a significant grain-producing area in the country.
The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana warns that selecting an unsuitable location could result in inefficiencies and higher costs.
They recommend investing in silos in major grain-producing areas like the Bono, Ahafo, Ashanti, Volta, and Upper West regions.
‘‘A decentralised approach to grain storage, involving smaller, community-based storage units, could be more effective in reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security. There is the need for government to conduct a feasibility study to determine the most suitable location for grain silos’’, Anthony Morrison suggested.
The Chamber advises the government to ensure the silo project meets industry needs and encourages exploring public-private partnerships to lessen the financial load on the state while enhancing agricultural infrastructure.
The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana calls on the government to reassess the silo project and involve key stakeholders, such as farmers, traders, and agribusinesses, in a thorough evaluation of the project’s cost, location, and design.