The government has announced an immediate ban on the export of key grains, including rice, corn, and soy, in response to a severe dry spell affecting the Northern regions of the country.
The ban, aimed at preventing a potential food shortage due to drought-induced crop failures, was announced by the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, during a press briefing in Accra on Monday, August 27.
The affected regions, which are responsible for about 62% of Ghana’s grain production, have experienced two months of inadequate rainfall, raising concerns about a significant shortfall in grain availability.
Minister Acheampong emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “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.”
To support farmers during this period, the government has outlined plans to raise $500 million, including approximately $155 million from the World Bank and other development partners. Minister of Finance, Mohammed Amin Adam, added that these funds would be used to offer compensation to affected farmers, with payments of 1,000 cedis per hectare.
