Government is launching a crisis response programme aimed at raising approximately $500 million (GH₵8 billion) to mitigate the impact of severe dry spell affecting farmers across Ghana.
Of this amount, GH₵2.5 billion will be sourced from the contingency fund, while an additional GH₵2.4 billion is expected to come from development partners.
Estimated 980,000 farmers affected
At a joint press briefing in Accra, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Defense, Dominic Nitiwul and Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, provided details on the government’s plan to support over 980,000 farmers who have been severely impacted by the dry conditions
Losses estimated at GH₵22.2bn
The dry spell threatens to cause potential losses estimated at GH₵22.2 billion.
1.8 million hectares affected
These farmers, cultivating around 1.8 million hectares of land, are critical to the country’s grain supply.
62% of grain production affected
The affected regions contribute about 62% of the nation’s annual grain production.
Cash transfers, food, and input supplies
The crisis response package includes a range of relief measures designed to alleviate the challenges faced by farmers.
These measures comprise cash transfers, food grants, and the supply of essential inputs.
The World Bank’s support will be directed toward cash transfers and input supply, while funds from the national budget will be used to provide food relief to those in need.
Affected farmers to receive GH₵1,000 per hectare
Dr. Acheampong highlighted that vulnerable farmers would receive financial support of GH₵1,000 per hectare, alongside food grants to ensure they can meet their basic nutritional needs.
He assured that the government is committed to helping farmers replant crops that have failed due to the lack of rain, by providing fast-maturing seeds and fertilizers within the remaining planting window of the season.
Temporary ban on grain exports
To further stabilize the agricultural sector, the government has imposed a temporary ban on grain exports.
This measure is aimed at retaining sufficient stock within the country to avert a potential food crisis.
The government also plans to mop up existing grain stock from farmers, procure additional grains and poultry feed, and provide technical support for soil moisture conservation techniques.
“We will be launching a replanting support program. This will include the provision of fast-maturing seeds that can still be planted within the remaining window of the season,” Dr. Acheampong stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Govt accelerates 13 irrigation projects
Recognizing that the ultimate solution lies in improved water management, the government is accelerating efforts to complete 13 ongoing irrigation projects under the Agriculture Economic Enclaves Programme.
These projects are part of a broader strategy to support year-round farming and ensure that farmers are less dependent on unpredictable weather patterns.
Security measures to prevent smuggling of grains
Minister for Defense, Mr Nitiwul, assured the public that the government has intensified security measures along the country’s borders to prevent the smuggling or unauthorized export of grains.
This step is critical to ensuring that the grain supplies intended to address the domestic crisis remain within the country.
Commitment to transparency and accountability
As part of the government’s crisis response, a technical task force comprising development partners and officials from the Ministries of Finance and Food and Agriculture has been established. This task force will oversee the distribution of relief items to ensure fairness and accountability.
“We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of these resources that we are mobilizing to respond to this crisis,” Dr. Acheampong assured.
While acknowledging that the government’s response may not entirely resolve the crisis, Dr. Adam emphasized that these measures are crucial in stabilizing the situation until the country can fully recover from the adverse effects of the dry spell.
The government’s swift and comprehensive response underscores its commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of Ghanaian farmers and ensuring food security for the nation.
