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0 In response to the prolonged dry spell affecting eight regions of Ghana, the Minister of Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has announced a series of financial interventions aimed at cushioning farmers from the adverse impacts of the drought.
Speaking at a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information, Acheampong outlined measures designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term support to farmers, safeguarding food security and economic stability.
The ongoing drought has severely impacted Ghana’s agricultural sector, with major crops such as maize, rice, and others facing significant yield losses.
Mr Bryan Acheampong
Farmers across the country have been grappling with reduced water supplies, threatening their livelihoods and the nation’s food supply. As part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the crisis, Bryan Acheampong has rolled out targeted initiatives to help farmers recover and ensure sustainable agricultural practices going forward.
Key Financial Interventions
1. Fertilizer and Seed Support: The government will distribute 180,000 metric tons of fertilizers and seeds to smallholder farmers to aid in replanting and recovery efforts.
2. Cash Transfers and Food Grants: Vulnerable farmers, especially those enrolled in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program, will receive financial assistance and food grants to help them survive through the dry season.
3. Interest-Free Loans: A 50-million cedis interest-free loan facility has been made available to commercial farmers. The loan, facilitated by the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) and GESA, will allow farmers to cover operational expenses without facing high interest rates.
4. Poultry Sector Support: With maize shortages affecting poultry feed production, the government has committed to supplying 30,000 metric tons of feed and vaccines to ensure the continued operation of the poultry sector, which plays a crucial role in Ghana’s protein supply.
In addition to immediate relief, the Ministry of Agriculture is focused on building the long-term resilience of the sector. Bryan Acheampong introduced an online grain price stabilization market, which will enable farmers to access real-time data on grain prices. This platform aims to reduce price volatility and help farmers make more informed decisions during periods of drought.
The drought’s persistence calls for sustained support, and the interventions announced by Minister Bryan Acheampong reflect the government’s commitment to maintaining food security while protecting farmers’ livelihoods.
The Ministry remains optimistic that these measures will not only provide relief but also foster a more resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding future climate challenges.
This multi-pronged approach is seen as essential to preserving Ghana’s agricultural output and ensuring that farmers are well-equipped to overcome the current crisis.
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