Upper East NAFCO struggles to buy farmers’ produce over poor warehouse conditions – Regional Director
Poor storage infrastructure delays NAFCO’s ability to buy surplus produce from farmers
The Upper East Regional Director of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Albert Adongo, has revealed that the poor state of warehouses in the region is hindering efforts to purchase excess produce from farmers.
Speaking in a media interview on April 29, Adongo explained that although the region has been included in the national food reserves programme, critical infrastructure challenges particularly inadequate and incomplete warehouses are delaying operations.
According to him, upon assuming office in July 2025, he undertook a regional tour to assess both schools benefiting from food supply and storage facilities.
“We visited some of the warehouses and inspected their condition, and realized that there is a need for some of the warehouses to be renovated before it can start.” He said.
He indicated that the situation is preventing the company from fully rolling out its mandate of buying surplus food from farmers to stabilize prices and reduce post-harvest losses.
“If the warehouses were actually in good condition, as we have started, the only thing that we would have done was just to start buying. But because the majority of the warehouses are not in a good state… it’s holding us back.” He stressed.
Adongo further disclosed that some warehouses in the region are not even completed, while others lack essential features required for safe food storage.
“Warehouse keeping food is not a matter of just a space lying down. We’re checking on the moisture content, the quality content. Laboratory should be there to ensure that the conditions are good for consumption.” he explained.
He also pointed out that the lack of warehouse use over the past several years has contributed to their current deteriorated condition.
“For the past eight years… there had not been any attempt to store food in our warehouses. That is why the warehouses are not in a good state.” He added.
Despite these setbacks, Adongo assured farmers that steps are being taken to address the situation.
He said engagements have already been held with farmers in communities such as ICOUR where assurances were given that NAFCO will soon begin purchasing their excess produce once storage facilities are ready.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Alexander Kubabom
