The General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) has raised concerns over the surge in illegal rice imports infiltrating the country’s markets.
According to the union, although official data indicates a decline in rice imports over the past three years, this decline is not reflected on the ground.
They observe a significant amount of foreign rice being smuggled into the country through unapproved routes.
The general secretary of GAWU, Edward Kareweh, stated that their market assessments and investigations in border communities reveal the presence of rice brands sourced from Togo, Cote D’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso.
The illegally imported rice is priced between 20 to 30% cheaper compared to locally produced ones, creating an unfair advantage in the market.
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