Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture has announced with immediate effect the government's ban on the exportation of grains. This follows the dry spell that has hit the northern parts of the country. Over 800,000 hectares of farmland have been severely affected due to the lack of rainfall over the past two months leading to significant of losses of grains. Addressing journalists in Accra on Monday, Mr Acheampong noted that the government's measure was to ensure the availability of grains on the domestic market. However, he noted that farmers with stock could contact the ministry for sale. "With immediate effect government is placing a ban on the export of grains including maize, rice, soya bean until the situation normalises.