Agriculture will be a national security priority under my government – Bawumia

The 2028 New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to make agriculture a national security priority if the party wins the 2028 general election.

He said his government would introduce measures to strengthen local rice production, reduce the country's dependence on imported rice and support farmers to expand production.

Dr Bawumia made the pledge during an engagement with some rice farmers at Asutuare, where he outlined proposed interventions to improve the agricultural sector.

"The next NPP government will buy more locally produced rice for Ghanaian schools, prisons and other relevant institutions," he said.

He said the proposed policy would require strengthening the National Buffer Stock Company to increase its capacity to purchase locally produced rice and supply it to public institutions.

Dr Bawumia also pledged to complete Phase Two of the Kpong Irrigation Project to improve access to water for farmers.

He said the project, together with incentives for farmers, would help boost agricultural production.

He further promised to reintroduce the fertiliser subsidy, which he claimed had been cancelled by the current government.

The former Vice President said the proposed interventions would form part of his 2028 manifesto, adding that Ghana must prioritise domestic food production to safeguard its food security.

"When it comes to food, we should depend on ourselves because relying on other countries for food puts us at risk. They could simply stop supplying us with food whenever there is a problem," he added.