The Asian African Consortium (AAC), a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, has launched Jospong Rice, the newest addition to Ghana’s agricultural scene.
The rice product was launched at Agrifest 2024 in Accra under the theme “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security.” The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, endorsed it as “Authentic Ghanaian rice.”
This high-quality rice is grown and processed in Ghana, meeting international standards to ensure a delicious and nutritious product for consumers. The initiative supports local farmers and the economy, demonstrating AAC’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector.
By promoting local production, Jospong Rice aims to reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported rice, a commodity that has cost the country over GHC 6.8 billion (approximately $560 million) annually. This initiative aligns with the government’s objective of boosting the economy through import substitution.
“With Jospong Rice, AAC is taking a significant step towards ensuring Ghana’s food future. By supporting local agriculture and promoting sustainable practices, AAC is helping to build a more resilient and food-secure Ghana,” said Mrs. Adelaide Agyepong, the CEO of AAC.
At Agrifest 2024, the Asian African Consortium showcased its innovative solutions for sustainable food security. Their impressive display of modern agricultural equipment and mechanization services drew significant interest from attendees.
Throughout the event, AAC engaged with key stakeholders, including agrochemical suppliers, financial institutions, and government agencies, to foster strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening Ghana’s agricultural sector. With its leadership in agricultural transformation, AAC is driving mechanization and market competitiveness to secure Ghana’s food future.
The Asian African Consortium is scaling up Ghana’s rice industry by investing in high-quality seeds, modern production technologies, and training for smallholder farmers. The goal is to reduce the country’s increasing dependence on imported rice.
Rice consumption in Ghana has nearly tripled in the past decade, with individuals consuming approximately 45 kilograms per year. The country has an urgent need to produce rice locally to ease the financial strain caused by rising imports and the demand for foreign exchange.
In 2023, the Asian African Consortium partnered with major players in the rice industry in Thailand and Ghana to develop an integrated rice farming project. This initiative also supports the government’s objective of boosting the economy through import substitution.