The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana is appealing to international investors to establish rice mills in the country and help purchase excess paddy rice from local farmers.

The Association believes such investments could help ease the ongoing rice glut, which has left many farmers distressed with large volumes of unsold produce.

Speaking at the 2025 World Rice Conference in Cambodia, the Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, highlighted Ghana’s political stability and consistent disinflation trend as key factors that make the country an attractive destination for investment.

He urged investors to take advantage of these favourable conditions to expand their operations.

“Ghana is a gateway to Africa, and attention is now on us because we spend nearly GH¢300 million to GH¢400 million annually importing rice,” Awingobit said.

“The government is encouraging investors to establish mills in Ghana, purchase paddy rice from our outgrowers, and support smallholder farmers to increase production. This will enable us to process healthy, high-quality grains for local consumption and export.”

The World Rice Conference, organized annually by The Rice Trader with support from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), serves as a global platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share innovations, and shape the future of the rice industry.

Ghana’s delegation attended the conference to explore new partnerships and insights aimed at advancing the nation’s rice sector and strengthening its role in global food security.