The Minority Spokesperson on Agriculture and MP for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku, has criticized the government’s recent decision to ban grain exports.
He argued that this measure will not achieve the desired outcomes.
The ban, announced on Monday, August 26, aims to prevent a potential food crisis caused by reduced rainfall in northern Ghana.
Despite this, Opoku believes the government should address the underlying issues driving the exportation of grains instead of enforcing such a ban.
“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.”
In contrast, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, remains hopeful that famine will be avoided despite the severe drought affecting Northern Ghana.
The region, enduring more than two months without rainfall, is facing significant concerns over food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. The prolonged dry spell has stunted crop growth, leaving farmers anxious about their harvest prospects.
Nonetheless, during an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Bryan Acheampong reassured that fears of a food shortage are unfounded, confidently stating that the country will not face such a crisis.