The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s recent decision to impose a ban on the export of key grains, including maize, rice, and soybean.
The association is urging the government to reverse the decision, arguing that the move was taken without proper consultation with key stakeholders.
The export ban was announced by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, as part of efforts to safeguard food security within the country.
The minister justified the directive, citing the ongoing dry spell that has severely impacted agricultural production in eight regions, prompting the need for decisive action to protect the nation’s food supply.
However, in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on August 26, the President of the Peasant Farmers Association, Bismark Owusu Nortey, criticized the government’s approach, describing it as exclusionary.
He noted that farmers, being major players in the agriculture sector, should have been included in discussions leading to the policy.
“The first one has to do with the government’s resolve to ban the export of grains. I think that this particular approach – is an approach that was not inclusive. They did not take on board the views, the concerns, and the possible challenges that this might have on farmers,” Nortey said.
According to him, the failure to involve farmers in the decision-making process overlooks the potential consequences of the ban on the livelihoods of those in the farming community.
Nortey explained that grain prices are typically dictated by the forces of demand and supply. By halting exports, the surplus grain within the country could lead to a drop in prices, forcing farmers to sell their produce at lower rates just to avoid spoilage.
“If you are announcing a ban, the ideal thing is to put in place local measures that will insulate the farmers from any possible low prices,” he added.
Nortey stressed that while food security is important, the government should also consider the economic impact on farmers, who might suffer significant losses as a result of the abrupt policy change.
He called for the introduction of measures that would prevent local grain prices from plummeting and ensure farmers are not left at a disadvantage due to the export ban.