Maize Farmers in Maame Krobo Struggle to Find Buyers, Call for Government Intervention

By Edward Graham Sebbie 

Farmers in Maame Krobo, located in the Afram Plains South District of the Eastern Region, are facing a crisis following a bumper maize harvest that has left them with tonnes of unsold produce. Despite slashing prices, they are struggling to attract buyers, leading to huge post-harvest losses.

Reports indicate that farmers have reduced prices from GH¢1,000 to GH¢500 per sack, yet buyers remain scarce. The dire situation has resulted in maize rotting in storage, with many farmers being forced to sell at giveaway prices just to recover part of their investment.

The challenge is compounded by the high cost of production, with farmers spending about GH¢700 per acre. This makes breaking even difficult, let alone making a profit. The lack of modern storage facilities has worsened the situation, pushing some farmers to resort to makeshift cages to store their maize.

Farmers are therefore appealing to the government to intervene. They are calling on the National Food Buffer Stock Company to introduce a minimum guaranteed price and provide a ready market for their produce. They believe such measures will stabilize the market and ensure fair pricing for their harvests.

Speaking to reporters, Ofoei Boateng, a maize farmer, said:

“We are telling the government that we in Maame Krobo have the potential to produce enough maize to feed the nation. There should even be a ban on imported maize.”

Stakeholders believe the National Food Buffer Stock Company could provide a lifeline to the struggling farmers. By guaranteeing prices and offering a ready market, the company could help reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmer incomes, and boost national food security.

The Maame Krobo case underscores the broader challenges faced by farmers across Ghana, including access to affordable credit, inadequate storage facilities, and unstable market prices.

The situation in Afram Plains is particularly worrying, especially at a time when food prices—particularly for staples—remain high despite the recent appreciation of the cedi, a key factor in pricing.

VoiceAfricaonline.com will continue to monitor developments and provide updates to our cherished readers.