By Nelson Ayivor
A joint team from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has conducted a follow-up inspection of rice processors in the Bekwai Municipality.
The visit, part of the Japan-funded Improving Technology and Quality Control System for Higher Value Addition in the Post-harvest Processes of the Rice Value Chain (ITEQ) Project, aimed to assess the application of training and the effective use of equipment supplied under the initiative.
The ITEQ Project, implemented in selected municipalities including Bekwai and Tepa, focuses on upgrading the rice value chain through technology adoption, improved quality control, and enhanced business practices. The project seeks to modernize local rice processing and improve product quality while promoting sustainable practices.
Carl Makafui Acolatse, Project Coordinator, explained that beneficiaries had undergone comprehensive training facilitated by the FDA, with support from MoFA and UNIDO. The training covered modern rice processing techniques, storage practices, hygiene, packaging, and market-oriented skills designed to help actors across the value chain scale up their operations.
“The inspection helps us determine the extent to which millers have improved their practices and how the new technology is enhancing their output.”
Two beneficiaries in the Bekwai Municipality received a rice destoner and a briquette-making machine. While the destoner ensures that rice is clean and free of stones, the briquette machine converts rice husks into fuel, reducing operational costs and promoting sustainability.
Emmanuel Mensah, Bekwai Municipal Director of Agriculture, said the municipality currently has 1,115 rice farmers cultivating a total of 660.5 hectares. He noted that the ITEQ Project had significantly boosted the capacity of local millers and improved the quality of local rice.
Soil Contamination Risks Highlighted:
During the inspection, Dr. Roseline Asi Amoah, Chief Scientific Officer at the Ghana Standards Authority, raised concerns about potential contamination in rice production areas. She highlighted the importance of soil testing to detect metallic contaminants such as mercury and lead, substances often associated with illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, warning that contaminated soils compromised rice quality and posed public health risks. Dr. Amoah also noted that microbiological contamination could lead to chalky, whitish rice with a powdery texture, emphasising the need for farmers to use clean, high-quality planting materials to reduce such defects.
“The inspection is critical not only for improving production efficiency but also for safeguarding public health. Soil testing allows us to identify and mitigate hidden threats that could affect both rice quality and consumer safety.”
One of the beneficiaries, Jephthah Kwame Osei, owner of the Sankofa Rice Processing Facility, shared how the training and equipment had transformed his operations. He noted that production efficiency and product quality had significantly improved, and the modernized processes allowed him to expand his workforce, employing more young people in the municipality.
Osei also disclosed that he had obtained FDA approval for two products, including the Yen Sankofa Cereals Legume Mix, following technical support from UNIDO. As a gesture of appreciation, he presented a citation to UNIDO in recognition of the organization’s support for his business growth.
“The ITEQ Project has given us the tools and skills to improve the rice we produce. The training on hygiene, packaging, and processing has enabled us to compete better in the market and maintain high quality standards.”
Challenges Persist Despite Progress:
Despite the positive outcomes, persistent challenges remain in the Bekwai rice sector. Mensah outlined difficulties in land preparation, labour shortages, high input costs, limited access to threshers, and pest and disease pressures that continue to constrain yields. He noted that while the ITEQ Project has helped farmers and millers adopt modern technologies, systemic challenges require ongoing attention.
“These challenges show that while technology and training are vital, support for farmers must continue to address broader issues such as access to mechanization, affordable inputs, and pest management.”
The inspection underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and support for rice processors. By combining technology adoption, quality control, and public health safeguards, the ITEQ Project aims to create a model for sustainable rice production that can be replicated across other municipalities.
“The goal is to empower farmers, millers, and retailers by equipping them with the necessary tools to modernize operations, improve product quality, and adopt environmentally friendly processing methods.”