The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, has commended the Board and Management of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) for returning the Company to profitability and urged the management to sustain the reforms to strengthen its food security mandate.

Speaking at NAFCO’s Annual General Meeting in Accra, the Minister said the Company’s 2025 audited accounts showed a significant financial turnaround, moving from a net loss of GH¢19 million in 2024 to a net profit of GH¢91.7 million in 2025. The gross profit margin of NAFCO also increased from 1.61 per cent to 13.96 per cent.

“The Board and Management deserve recognition for this progress. However, we must remain focused on the long-term sustainability of the business and its public mandate,” he said.

The Minister noted that NAFCO currently holds 20,443 metric tonnes of grains in storage, describing this as an important step towards rebuilding Ghana’s strategic food reserves. He said Government had also directed the Company to immediately pay for or release 50,000 bags of 50kg grains to meet Ghana’s obligation to ECOWAS.

Hon. Opoku highlighted NAFCO’s contribution to the Free Senior High School feeding programme through the supply of locally produced maize, rice and other commodities. He also cited the ongoing rehabilitation of warehouses in Yendi, Tamale, Wenchi, Sunyani and Kumasi to improve storage capacity and food preservation.

He urged NAFCO to strengthen procurement planning, modernise its storage and inventory systems, and deepen collaboration with farmers, licensed buying companies, financial institutions, development partners and the private sector.

“NAFCO should strengthen procurement planning, modernise its storage and inventory systems, and work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the Company can effectively fulfil its food security role,” he said.

The Minister reaffirmed the importance of placing Ghanaian farmers at the centre of NAFCO’s operations, noting that a stronger buffer stock system would provide farmers with greater market assurance while improving the country’s preparedness for supply disruptions.

He commended the Board, Management, staff and development partners for their contribution to NAFCO’s progress and urged the Company to build on the gains made while addressing the challenges ahead.