Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has defended the government’s decision to allocate GH¢3,000 to farmers impacted by the dry spell in the Northern Region, highlighting this initiative as part of the government’s broader commitment to alleviate citizen suffering through social interventions.
Concerns had been raised by some members of the Minority on Parliament’s Finance Committee regarding the Finance Minister’s request for GH₵500 million from the Contingency Fund to address the severe drought affecting eight regions.
The Minority questioned both the timing and rationale of this fund request, as well as the decision to reduce the budgets of the Agriculture and Road Ministries to free up over GH₵8 billion for drought relief efforts.
During a session in Parliament on Wednesday, October 16, Afenyo-Markin addressed these claims, reaffirming the necessity of supporting farmers during this challenging time.
“What is wrong if our farmers are getting GH¢3,000. Farmers have lost their livelihoods. Mr Speaker, the farmers in the north have lost their livelihoods, especially the women. They have lost their millets and maize, and the government is giving them cash and feed should we watch them die? Mr Speaker, No.
“This government believes in social interventions and is supporting them. So, I think that we should continue to support the government in undertaking this exercise. However, I agree with the suggestion that there should be greater transparency,” he stated.
In August 2024, the Northern region faced a severe drought that raised significant concerns regarding food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
The area experienced over two months of rainfall deficiency, resulting in stunted crop growth and diminishing hopes for a successful harvest among local farmers.