Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, announced on August 26 that the government will need approximately $500 million to address the food crisis caused by severe drought conditions in northern Ghana.
The Minister disclosed that the government has already secured $160 million to support farmers and bolster food security.
The nation’s agricultural sector is facing a dire situation. The drought threatens the livelihoods of over 928,000 farmers and jeopardizes overall food security.
In response, the government has implemented an emergency relief package, which includes a temporary ban on grain exports, cash transfers to affected farmers, and an initiative to import significant quantities of grain.
The drought has severely impacted vital agricultural regions in Ghana, with nearly half of the country’s 1.8 million hectares of farmland affected.
Preliminary estimates from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture suggest a loss of GHS 3.5 billion in farmer investments, with potential revenue losses reaching GHS 10.4 billion.
To mitigate the crisis, the government has banned the export of grains such as maize, rice, and soybeans to ensure these essential crops remain available domestically.
The Minister of Agriculture emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, “This ban is essential to safeguard our food supply and protect the interests of our farmers.”
Additionally, a program will be initiated to purchase existing stocks from farmers to mitigate the effects of the export ban.
The government plans to access the ECOWAS Grain Reserve and work with the private sector to import up to 300,000 metric tons of maize and 150,000 metric tons of rice.
The Minister noted, “We are working tirelessly to secure these imports and support our vulnerable farmers who have lost their crops. “
The government will import 26,000 metric tons of poultry feed to support the poultry industry, which is also threatened by the drought.
Affected farmers will receive cash transfers of GHS 1,000 per hectare, targeting the most vulnerable among the 435,872 confirmed affected farmers.
“Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary financial assistance during this difficult time,” added the Minister.
A replanting program will also be launched to provide fast-maturing seeds and fertilizers to farmers whose crops have failed due to the drought.
Agricultural extension officers will educate farmers on soil moisture conservation techniques, including mulching and conservation tillage, to help them maximize yields under challenging conditions.
Dr Adam stated that the government is enhancing its collaboration with the Ghana Meteorological Agency to prevent future disasters.
The Food System Resilience Project aims to provide accurate forecasts and advisories to better prepare farmers for climatic challenges.
This crisis is particularly urgent as the affected regions contribute over 62% of Ghana’s annual grain supply.
The government’s comprehensive intervention is critical to preventing a national food shortage and mitigating the impact on food security and livelihoods.
As the government implements these emergency measures, its focus remains on building resilience within the agricultural sector so that it can better withstand future climatic challenges.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the success of these interventions and the future stability of Ghana’s food supply.
