The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) in Ghana has revamped its National Food Reserve Programme with an initial GH¢100 million government funding. This program aims to strengthen Ghana's ability to respond to food crises and price pressures. The initiative was introduced in response to reported gluts of grains, particularly rice and maize, in some parts of the country.
By December 31, 2025, NAFCO had stocked 36,597 bags of maize, 21,287 bags of rice, and 5,982 bags of gari in warehouses across Tamale, Badu, Kumbungu, Dzodze, Wenchi, and Kumasi. According to NAFCO Chief Executive Officer, George Abradu-Otoo, the company 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.
The program is expected to help keep inflation in check, reduce post-harvest losses, and support government interventions in agriculture. This development forms part of broader measures by NAFCO to strengthen Ghana's food security architecture, including the rehabilitation and expansion of storage facilities across the country. Abradu-Otoo mentioned that many of the company's warehouses had deteriorated and become unfit for purpose.
NAFCO has commenced an aggressive program to rehabilitate and expand its storage facilities, with support from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, ECOWAS, and the World Food Programme. The program also includes the provision of laboratories, testing equipment, tracking and digital devices, as well as training and retraining of personnel. Additionally, NAFCO's regional operations have been strengthened, with all 16 regional offices now operational.
The CEO said the company's 2025 performance marked a major turnaround, with NAFCO recording a net profit before tax of GH¢91.7 million, its highest since its establishment. This was after posting a GH¢19.4 million loss the previous year. The company also paid GH¢20.3 million in taxes to the state in 2025, the highest annual tax contribution in its 16-year history.
Abradu-Otoo attributed the turnaround partly to structural reforms, including the establishment of a dedicated Procurement Department, a strengthened Internal Audit Department, a fortified Food Safety Department, and the reconstitution of the Board and its sub-committees. He also mentioned that the company improved payments to suppliers and resourced its regional offices.
The CEO emphasized that the year 2025 was a turning point for NAFCO, with the company recording its highest profit in 16 years. He expressed confidence in the company's future, stating, "We have consolidated. We have shown what is possible. Now we build." This development is part of broader efforts to enhance food security in Ghana.
Key points
- NAFCO has launched a GH¢100 million food buffer program to strengthen Ghana's food security.
- The program includes the rehabilitation and expansion of storage facilities across the country.
- NAFCO recorded a net profit before tax of GH¢91.7 million in 2025, its highest since its establishment.
