Board members of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) have met with the management and staff of the company in a landmark engagement aimed at revitalising the organisation and addressing longstanding challenges.

The meeting, which took place at the company’s head office in Accra, began with a welcome address by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. George Abradu-Otoo.

In his remarks, he lamented the deteriorating conditions of the company’s warehouses across the country and the worrying lack of food buffer capacity, which has made it difficult for the country to avert a potential food crisis over the past eight years.

Mr. Abradu-Otoo, however, assured both staff and the newly inaugurated board of management’s commitment to changing the narrative.

“We are working tirelessly to restore confidence in the system, build resilience into the company’s operations, and ensure food security,” he said.

The Board Chairman,  Dr. Eric Osei-Owusu, who is also the founding CEO of NAFCO, delivered a speech recalling the historical antecedents that led to the establishment of the company in 2010.

He commended the vision behind its creation and underscored the crucial role it continues to play in stabilizing food prices and supporting farmers.

While addressing the staff, the Chairman expressed deep concern over the current state of the company and referenced the immediate past CEO, Alhaji Hanan Abdul-Wahab, who is currently in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) facing investigations related to alleged misconduct and issues of accountability.

He pledged the full support of the board in revamping the company to fulfil its original mandate and return it to its former glory.

“The board is fully committed to supporting management and staff in delivering on the core objectives of NAFCO,” he assured.

In a bid to boost morale, the chairman announced that staff welfare and salary-related concerns would take centre stage at the board’s maiden meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

He also highlighted the need for urgent infrastructure maintenance, while planning for strategic expansion to meet growing national needs.

Staff and management were advised to remain professional, avoid conflicts of interest, and uphold integrity in all dealings.

He further pledged swift payment to suppliers, acknowledging their pivotal role in ensuring the company’s operations run smoothly.

The chairman concluded by commending his fellow board members for their dedication and expertise, which he believes will be invaluable in driving the company forward.

The interactive session that followed provided an opportunity for staff to ask questions and make contributions, signalling a renewed sense of collaboration and openness between leadership and the workforce.