Drought in northern Ghana: Govt bans grain exports, affected farmers to be compensated – Agric Minister
Published:
2 months ago
Source:
3News
Ghana's agricultural sector is on the brink of a crisis as severe drought conditions endanger the livelihoods of over 928,000 farmers and jeopardize the nation's food security. In response, the government has launched an emergency relief package that includes a temporary ban on grain exports, cash transfers to affected farmers, and a massive grain import initiative aimed at averting a potential catastrophe. The ongoing dry spell has devastated key agricultural regions across Ghana, with preliminary reports indicating that nearly half of the 1.8 million hectares of farmland are already impacted. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has estimated a staggering GHC3.5 billion loss in farmer investments, with potential revenue losses reaching GHC10.4 billion. To prevent further damage, the government has enacted a temporary ban on the export of grains such as maize, rice, and soybean, ensuring that these critical crops remain available in the domestic market. "This ban is essential to safeguard our food supply and protect the interests of our farmers," stated the Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong. "We must prioritize domestic needs during this crisis," he advised.