The government through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has imposed a ban on the export of key grains such as rice, maize and soybeans.
The decision is in response to the severe drought experienced in the Northern regions.
During a press briefing in Accra on Monday, August 26, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong noted that the affected regions, mostly in the north, are responsible for about 62% of Ghana’s grain production, and the lack of rain over the past two months has raised concerns about a significant shortfall in grain availability.
“With immediate effect, the government is placing a ban on the export of grains including maize, rice, and soya bean until the situation normalizes. This measure is essential to ensure the availability of these critical crops on the domestic market. Any farmer with stock and interested in selling should contact our district directors across the country, our district aggregators, or the directorate of crops, Ministry of Agriculture. This is to ensure that farmers do not suffer adversely as a result of this ban,” he stated.
Other measures by the government include financial support of GH¢1,000 per hectare to vulnerable farmers as partial cover for their investment losses.
Government is hopeful that the export ban, coupled with financial support for farmers and other measures will stabilize the situation and prevent a full-blown food crisis in Ghana.
The Minister of Defense, Dominic Nitiwul on his part also assured intensified security across borders to prevent the export of grains from the country.