The Commercial Rice Growers Alliance Ghana (CRAG) has called for a renewed national commitment to prioritising locally grown rice in public procurement and household consumption.

The alliance, which represents commercial rice farmers and value chain stakeholders across the country, noted that Ghana spends more than US$500 million annually on rice imports despite notable gains in domestic production capacity and product quality.

Imported rice, according to CRAG in a statement issued over the weekend, continues to dominate markets, hospitality outlets and public institutions, thereby placing local producers at a disadvantage and undermining national economic resilience.

CRAG stressed that sustained reliance on imported rice drains foreign exchange reserves, weakens rural livelihoods and discourages private sector investment.

The alliance highlighted a strategic opportunity for the country to consolidate its progress by converting “Eat Ghana Rice” from a slogan into a national movement that shapes consumer behaviour and institutional procurement patterns.

To catalyse this transformation, CRAG is urging the Government to adopt and enforce a comprehensive Local Rice Procurement Policy that compels public institutions, including the School Feeding Programme, security agencies, health facilities and educational establishments, to purchase Ghana-grown rice.

It further encouraged the state to spearhead nationwide promotional efforts showcasing the quality, nutritional value and culinary versatility of domestic rice varieties, alongside gradual import-reduction mechanisms to safeguard local competitiveness.

Private organisations, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants have also been invited to partner with local producers to integrate Ghana rice into their supply chains and customer offerings, strengthening visibility and demand across the economy.

CRAG described the consumption of local rice as a patriotic gesture with tangible socio-economic returns. By choosing Made-in-Ghana rice, consumers support rural jobs, energise agribusinesses, reduce foreign currency outflows and bolster food security and national pride.

The alliance reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the value chain through partnerships with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, private investors and development partners.

It underscored its resolve to amplify quality, competitiveness and market presence under the rallying theme, “Ghana Rice, Ghana Pride – Eat Local, Build National Prosperity.”