- The country’s northern areas are being badly impacted by a prolonged dry spell, prompting the government to place an immediate restriction on the export of essential grains, such as rice, corn, and soy.
- The action is intended to prevent crop failures brought on by drought from possibly leading to a food shortfall.
- On Monday, August 27, in Accra, Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, made the announcement.
- About 62% of Ghana’s grain output is attributed to the afflicted regions, which are primarily in the north. The lack of rain in the previous two months has sparked worries about a large shortage of grain.
- “The government is imposing an immediate restriction on the export of grains, such as rice, maize, and soy beans, until the situation improves. To guarantee that these vital crops are available on the home market, this action is necessary.
- “Any farmer who has livestock and would like to sell should get in touch with one of the Ministry of Agriculture’s directorates of crops, district aggregators, or directors across the nation.” This is to make sure that the prohibition has no negative effects on farmers,” he said.
- The government intends to gather $500 million, including around $155 million from the World Bank and other development partners, to lessen the consequences of the grain scarcity.
- According to Mohammed Amin Adam, Minister of Finance, 1,000 cedis per acre will be paid as compensation to the impacted farmers using these monies.
Source:
Graphic Online
