Government has implemented a temporary ban on grain exports as part of a comprehensive crisis response programme to a severe dry spell impacting Ghana.
The initiative is designed to retain sufficient grain stock within the country to prevent a potential food shortage.
Crisis response programme unveiled
The government’s response includes mopping up existing grain stock from farmers, procuring additional grains and poultry feed, and offering technical support for soil moisture conservation techniques.
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, outlined the government’s strategy to support over 980,000 farmers severely affected by the dry conditions.
“We will be launching a replanting support program, which will include the provision of fast-maturing seeds that can still be planted within the remaining window of the season,” Dr. Acheampong stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Govt accelerates 13 irrigation projects
Recognizing that the long-term solution lies in improved water management, the government is fast-tracking 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 reduce farmers’ dependency on unpredictable weather patterns.
Security measures to prevent grain smuggling
Minister for Defense Dominic 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 crucial in ensuring that grain supplies meant for domestic consumption remain within the country.
Commitment to transparency and accountability
To ensure transparency and accountability in managing the 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 guarantee fairness.
“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 affirmed.
While acknowledging that the government’s response may not entirely resolve the crisis, Dr. Adam emphasized that these measures are essential in stabilizing the situation until the country can recover from the adverse effects of the dry spell.
GH₵8bn support package
The crisis response program aims to raise approximately $500 million, equivalent to GH₵8 billion, to mitigate the impact of the severe dry spell affecting farmers across Ghana.
Breakdown of funding
Of the GH₵8 billion, GH₵2.5 billion will be sourced from the contingency fund, while an additional GH₵2.4 billion is expected from development partners.
The World Bank’s support will be directed toward cash transfers and input supply, while funds from the national budget will provide food relief.
Estimated 980,000 farmers affected
The dry spell has affected an estimated 980,000 farmers cultivating around 1.8 million hectares of land.
These regions contribute approximately 62% of the nation’s annual grain production, and potential losses are estimated at GH₵22.2 billion.
Cash transfers, food, and input supplies
The crisis response package includes cash transfers, food grants, and the supply of essential inputs to alleviate the challenges faced by farmers.
Farmers to receive GH₵1,000 per hectare
Vulnerable farmers will receive financial support of GH₵1,000 per hectare, alongside food grants to ensure they meet their basic nutritional needs.
The government is also 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.
The government’s swift and comprehensive response underscores its commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of Ghanaian farmers and ensuring food security for the nation.
As the country faces this challenging period, the measures taken are aimed at stabilizing the agricultural sector and preventing a looming food crisis.
