Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), has been honoured for his contribution to the international rice industry at the 2026 International World Rice Conference.
Awingobit received a Certificate of Appreciation during the three-day conference, held from October 7 to 9 at Dusit Thani Manila in the Philippines. The award was presented by the event’s organisers, The Rice Trader and the International Commodity Institute.
He was recognised for his participation in the conference, his contribution to knowledge-sharing and his efforts to promote closer cooperation between rice producers, farmers, importers and exporters in international markets.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Awingobit urged international investors to consider Ghana’s rice production sector, with particular emphasis on businesses from Vietnam.
He said greater investment was needed to increase domestic production and reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported rice.
Ghana imported more than 1.8 million metric tonnes of rice over the period under review, according to Awingobit. He said the scale of those imports highlighted the need for better-quality seeds, improved yields and stronger packaging if locally produced rice is to compete more effectively.
Awingobit also said the government had started discussions with major rice importers about giving priority to locally produced rice for distribution.
He added that import permits were expected to be used to cover any shortfalls in supply and help prevent food insecurity.
The 2026 event was Awingobit’s third appearance at the International World Rice Conference. His previous attendances were in Manila in 2024 and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in 2025.
The IEAG said his continued involvement with international stakeholders could help strengthen trade partnerships, create wider business opportunities and improve Ghana’s access to global rice markets.
