SAN FRANCISCO, October 31, (THEWILL) -Ghana says it will ban the importation of poultry and rice, a policy that is already being implemented by Nigeria.
Agriculture Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie-Akoto, said the policy will be implemented in three years adding that government is pushing to establish local capacity to meet local demand.
Merchants are expected to trade with local farmers once the policy becomes effective, he said on a JoyNews’ PM Express programme Wednesday.
Ghana heavily depends on imported rice and poultry from Asia and Europe to feed its people.
Deputy Trades Minister, Robert Ahomka Lindsay, had previously said rice importation alone takes 82 per cent of all imports into the country.
This cost more than $1 billion, almost two per cent of the country’s GDP in 2018.
This must stop, the Agriculture Minister said.
If successful, the policy will create jobs and wealth for local farmers.
Nigeria has closed its land borders in a bid to cripple illegal smuggling of rice and other banned goods into the country. The Nigerian government under President Muhammadu Buhari says it wants to support local manufacturers and farmers grow.
