Ghana Bans Rice, Corn Exports to Stave Off Food Shortage
#Food
Ghana Bans Rice, Corn Exports to Stave Off Food Shortage
Loveworld / 2 hours
August 31, 2024
1 min read
Ghana’s agricultural sector faces a severe crisis due to extreme drought conditions threatening over 928,000 farmers and national food security. The government has responded with an emergency relief package including a temporary ban on grain exports, cash transfers to affected farmers, and a large-scale grain import initiative to prevent a disaster.
To ensure domestic supply, the export of grains like maize, rice, and soybean is halted. Farmers will receive GHC1,000 per hectare, targeting the most affected among the 435,872 farmers. Plans include importing up to 300,000 metric tons of maize and 150,000 metric tons of rice, as well as 26,000 metric tons of poultry feed. Distribution of fast-maturing seeds and fertilizers will support replanting efforts. Agricultural extension officers will train farmers on soil moisture conservation techniques.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has estimated GHC3.5 billion in losses and potential revenue losses of GHC10.4 billion. The crisis impacts regions contributing over 62% of Ghana’s grain supply, making the government’s measures vital for preventing a food shortage. Efforts will also focus on enhancing resilience and collaboration with the Ghana Meteorological Agency to better prepare for future climatic challenges.
