Accra, Ghana – Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture has updated the nation on the dry spell that affected the country’s food situation and announced measures to mitigate its effects on farmers and the food system.
According to Dr. Bryan, the dry spell, which lasted from mid-June to mid-August, significantly impacted grain production and the food system, leading to a decline in crop yields and a rise in food prices. However, the Minister assured that despite the challenges, the country’s food system is safe and measures are being taken to restore farming activities and support farmers.
The following were announced as measures for implementation to address the dry spell:
- The government is distributing fertilizers and seeds to 800,000 smallholder farmers, with each receiving 2 bags of NPK, 1 bag of Urea, and maize or rice seeds.
- This is expected to lead to the production of 360,000 MT of paddy rice and 770,000 MT of maize.
- Commercial farmers will receive 20,000 MT of fertilizers, with each farmer receiving up to 50 bags of NPK and 25 bags of Urea.
- Interest-free loans will be provided to commercial farmers through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and partners.
- Poultry farmers will receive support with feed and vaccines.
- Food grants will be distributed to over 800,000 farmers in affected regions, with each farmer receiving 25kg of rice and 100kg of maize.
- An online grains market will be established starting October 10th to enable affordable access to grains.
To ensure transparency and accountability, Dr. Bryan said, all transactions will be performed on the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP), which will also be used for input distribution and food grant distribution.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has also deployed 3,000 personnel, including AEAs and District Agric Officers, equipped with tablets, to register farmers on the GhAAP and provide an option for self-registration through the GhAAP Farmer App.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has also set up monitoring and experiential learning teams to ensure effective implementation of the measures.
The government has assured that the measures are being taken to ensure that no farmer is left behind and that farming activities are fully restored.
Dr. Bryan also emphasized the importance of investing in long-term grain storage systems, targeting a capacity increase of 100,000 metric tons per year over the next 16 years to enhance food security and resilience.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture thanked President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Cabinet members, Parliament, Minister for Finance, World Bank Country Director Robert Taliercio O’Brien, ECOWAS, and other stakeholders for their support in addressing the dry spell.
by MOFA
