The Minority Spokesperson on Agriculture and MP for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku, has criticised the government’s recent ban on the exportation of grains, arguing that it will not produce the desired positive outcomes.
On Monday, August 26, the government announced the ban to prevent a potential food shortage following reduced rainfall in northern Ghana.
However, Mr. Opoku believes that instead of imposing a ban, the government should focus on addressing the underlying factors that drive the exportation of grains.
“But what are the motivating factors? Is it the price? If they go there and they will get a higher price, certainly, the farmer will be motivated by the high price to send their grains to that place.
“But in this critical moment, now that we are in dire need of food, we have to stock enough food against a looming crisis.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has expressed optimism that there will be no famine despite the current drought in Northern Ghana.
Northern Ghana is grappling with a severe drought that has raised widespread concerns about food security and the livelihood of thousands of farmers.
The region has experienced no rainfall for over two months, resulting in stunted crop growth and leaving farmers with little hope for a successful harvest.
However, in an interview with the media, Bryan Acheampong dismissed fears of a possible food shortage, assuring that such an occurrence will not happen in the country.
