Members of the Minority on Parliament’s Finance Committee have raised concerns over the Finance Minister’s request for GH₵500 million from the Contingency Fund to combat the ongoing dry spell affecting eight regions.
The Agriculture Ministry, in response to the crisis, has already implemented emergency measures, including a ban on grain exports, to protect the livelihoods of over 900,000 farmers and ensure national food security.
However, the Minority questions the timing and justification of the fund request, as well as the decision to cut the budgets of the Agriculture and Road Ministries to generate over GH₵8 billion to address the issue.
Deputy Ranking Member and MP for Bia East, Richard Acheampong, pointed out that the 2023 budget had allocated funds to the Agriculture Ministry specifically for tackling issues like the dry spell.
He questioned the status of the drought-resistant seeds the Ministry claimed to have procured.
The Bia MP also expressed concerns over the lack of clarity on these issues and highlighted the losses suffered by communities due to the spillage of the Bagre dam, noting that little has been done to address their plight.
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Source: Adomonline
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong has said a list should be presented to Parliament to verify the eligibility of those seeking support.
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