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Exports

Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana Urges Government to Lift Export Ban on Grains

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana is calling on the government to lift the ban on grain exports, citing negative effects on the country's food banks and market opportunities for farmers. The ban, imposed in response to a prolonged dry spell, has resulted in a food glut and mounting pressure on the agricultural sector. The Chamber's CEO, Anthony Morrison, suggests that reversing the export ban and setting quotas would significantly boost agricultural trade and open new market opportunities for local producers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana is urging the government to lift the ban on grain exports, citing negative effects on the country's food banks and market opportunities for farmers.
  • The ban, imposed in 2024 by the NPP government, restricts the export of key grains including rice, maize, and soybeans.
  • The drought that led to the ban caused widespread crop failures, particularly in the northern and middle belts of the country.
  • CEO of the Chamber, Anthony Morrison, suggests that reversing the export ban and setting quotas would significantly boost agricultural trade and open new market opportunities for local producers.
  • The government can set quotas for the export of grains, giving the industry flexibility and room to operate, according to Morrison.
  • The Trade Counsellor with the Delegation of the European Union to Ghana, Gregor Schneider, encouraged stakeholders and industry players to protect their innovations through patent registration.
  • Ghana's food and beverage technology imports rose from £59 million in 2017 to £80 million in 2024, while packaging technology imports reached £49 million last year, according to data from VDMA, the German Machinery Association.

Statistics:

  • £59 million: Ghana's food and beverage technology imports in 2017.
  • £80 million: Ghana's food and beverage technology imports in 2024.
  • £49 million: Ghanaian packaging technology imports in the last year.
  • Pound 1 = As of the publication date, 1 pound is equivalent to approximately 6.75 Ghanaian Cedis (GHS).

Sources:

  • Ghana Web, 29 October 2025, "Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana urges government to lift ban on grain exports"
  • "FLASHBACK: Ghana bans export of rice, corn and soybeans to address food shortage" (no publication date mentioned)

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