Consumption of local rice campaign won’t last – John Dumelo

Following the massive campaign in mainstream and social media for the consumption of locally produced rice, Actor cum politician John Dumelo has explained that Ghanaians who patronise the more expensive Ghana rice may soon stop if the prices remain higher than that imported rice.

The campaign to patronize locally produced rice gained steam following a rice glut in parts of the country that prompted the Managing Director of CITI FM, Samuel Atta Mensah, to advocate strongly for the consumption of Ghana rice. His campaign caught on with many Ghanaians and has remained a trending issue.

But Mr Dumelo, who is also a farmer and National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency maintains that given that factors beyond the control of Ghana’s rice farmers compel them to sell their produce at a higher price than imported rice, the patronage of Ghana rice may soon dwindle again because of the higher prices.

“It will interest you to know that imported rice (after paying all the shipping and duties at the port) is still cheaper than our local rice. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a farmer and a huge advocate for the consumption of made in Ghana products but the patriotic patience of Ghanaians will quickly run out if our local rice farmers don’t do anything about their pricing. Same as our local chicken and the imported ones. Once it’s cheap, it’s the best,” he pointed out on social media.

Mr Dumelo has therefore called for support for farmers to make them competitive.

“It might not be the fault of the farmers when pricing. The unit cost of producing a bag of rice depends on external factors (high-interest rates, taxes, fuel costs etc) which is beyond their control. We must do more to support farmers across the country. Competitive pricing and branding are sine qua non to Ghanaians being patriotic but all hope is not lost. Ghana shall prosper…” he appealed.

Ghana imports more rice than it produces. Many prefer foreign rice to local rice due to factors such as pricing, polishing, packaging, taste among others. Government after government has failed to reverse the trend.