$18.8m Rice Project: What West Gonja and Bole Farmers Need to Know

Ghana has secured an $18.8 million grant to strengthen rice production, improve farming systems and support the country’s ambition to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2028. The initiative could create opportunities for farmers in the Savannah Region, particularly in areas identified for rice development.

However, the extent to which individual communities will benefit will depend on the project's implementation, the selection of participating farmers and the distribution of agricultural support.

What the $18.8 million project will deliver

The Ghana News Agency reported on October 8 that the African Development Bank-funded initiative will be implemented through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture under the Regional West Africa Resilient Rice Value Chains Development Project, known as REWARD.

The project is expected to support the development of 3,200 hectares of land for rice production in Ghana’s Northern Savannah Ecological Zone.

Planned interventions include improved rice seeds, mechanisation, seed-processing equipment, storage facilities and stronger links between farmers, processors and markets.

The project will also provide machinery such as rice transplanters, seed drills, rotary tillers, mini combine harvesters and boom sprayers. Ten rice-processing centres are expected to receive complementary equipment.

According to the Ghana News Agency, more than 20,000 smallholder farmers in selected districts are expected to benefit.

What it means for West Gonja and Bole

Agriculture remains important to livelihoods across the Savannah Region, making the project relevant to farmers seeking improved productivity, better storage and more reliable market access.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture’s published REWARD project information specifically identifies West Gonja among its target districts. Its project documentation also identifies the Busunu Rice Valley in West Gonja for development planning.

The Ghana News Agency has additionally reported that Bole is among the districts expected to benefit from the $18.8 million initiative.

There is, however, a detail that requires clarification. The Ministry’s published overview lists seven target districts and does not include Bole in that list, although the Ghana News Agency’s October 8 report does.

The difference does not establish that Bole has been excluded. It does mean that farmers and other stakeholders should seek confirmation of the district’s specific activities, participating communities and implementation arrangements.

For farmers, the practical questions are straightforward: Which communities will be selected? How will farmers qualify for support? When will improved seeds and machinery become available? And what arrangements will ensure that smallholder farmers can access processing and storage facilities?

Ghana’s rice self-sufficiency target

The project forms part of Ghana’s broader effort to reduce dependence on imported rice.

Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku said domestic milled rice production increased from approximately 650,000 tonnes in 2024 to 960,000 tonnes in 2025. However, local production reportedly met only about 56 per cent of national demand.

The minister also said Ghana spends approximately $500 million annually on rice imports and is targeting 3.31 million metric tonnes of paddy rice production by 2028.

The government expects the REWARD project to contribute to that goal by improving production, reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening the rice value chain.

The Ministry has indicated that the project is expected to be formally launched in the first week of November 2026, ahead of preparations for the 2027 production season.

A separate grant of approximately $2.5 million from Japan is also expected to support rice seed production.

Funding is important, but delivery will matter most

For farmers in West Gonja and other beneficiary districts, the announcement creates an opportunity. Its real value, however, will be measured by what happens on the ground.

Improved seeds and machinery must reach the intended farmers. Processing and storage facilities must become operational, while market arrangements must help producers earn sustainable returns.

For Buipe, Damongo, Bole and surrounding agricultural communities, the broader question is whether national investment in rice production will translate into accessible support, increased farm incomes and more reliable local food supplies.

Gonja Pulse will continue following the implementation of the project, including the selection of beneficiary communities and the arrangements for farmer participation.

---

Gonja Pulse News. Insight. Impact.