Jospong Rice Launched by Asian African Consortium to Strengthen Ghana’s Agricultural Sector

The Asian African Consortium (AAC), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, has officially launched Jospong Rice, a new and high-quality addition to Ghana’s agricultural industry.

The rice was unveiled at the Agrifest 2024 in Accra, under the theme “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security.” The launch received the endorsement of Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, who described the product as “Authentic Ghanaian rice.”

Grown and processed in Ghana, Jospong Rice meets international quality standards, offering a nutritious and delicious option for consumers. The initiative not only supports local farmers but also contributes to the strengthening of Ghana’s agricultural sector, reflecting AAC’s commitment to advancing the industry.

By promoting the production of local rice, Jospong Rice seeks to reduce Ghana’s dependency on imported rice, which has cost the country over GHC6.8 billion (about $560 million) annually. This aligns with the government’s goal of import substitution and boosting the local economy.

Mrs. Adelaide Agyepong, CEO of AAC, emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “With Jospong Rice, AAC is taking a major step towards ensuring Ghana’s food security. By supporting local agriculture and promoting sustainable practices, AAC is helping to build a more resilient, food-secure Ghana.”

At the Agrifest 2024 event, AAC showcased its innovative solutions for sustainable food security, including modern agricultural equipment and mechanization services. The exhibition drew significant attention, with AAC engaging key stakeholders such as agrochemical suppliers, financial institutions, and government agencies to form strategic partnerships aimed at further strengthening the agricultural sector.

AAC’s efforts are pivotal in transforming Ghana’s rice industry by investing in high-quality seeds, advanced production technologies, and providing training to smallholder farmers.

The goal is to reduce the country’s reliance on imported rice, which has seen a surge in consumption over the past decade. Rice consumption in Ghana has nearly tripled, with the average person consuming around 45 kilograms per year, highlighting the urgent need for local production.

In 2023, the Asian African Consortium partnered with prominent rice industry players in both Thailand and Ghana to develop an integrated rice farming project. This collaboration supports the government’s broader objective of strengthening the economy through reduced rice imports and boosting local production capabilities.