Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has fought off claims there was no consultation before the decision to ban the export of key grains, including maize, rice, and soybean.

According to him, the decision was in the best interest of the nation and relevant stakeholders couldn’t have been left out.

The Peasant Farmers Association has expressed displeasure with the ban which was announced on Monday amidst the dry spell in the country.

The President, Bismark Owusu Nortey has explained that the farmers were key stakeholders in the sector and it would have been right that they are consulted so they could contribute to finding a lasting solution.

Reacting to the concerns, Dr Acheampong on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Monday stated that, assertion of the Association is not factual.

“There was extensive consultation with the farmers and not the farmers in Tamale or my constituency said they belong to Peasant Farmers Association neither has it been chosen as their spokesperson. There are several farming group and I don’t think Peasant farmers represent all of them,” he said.

Dr Acheampong added that for reasons he cannot tell, the Ministry has never been in the good books of the Peasant Farmers Association.

However, the Abetifi MP noted that, his doors are opened to the Peasant Farmers for whatever clarity they may seek on the ban.

“They have never said anything good about the Agric Ministry and I don’t no why but we consulted experts, wide range of farmers as well as experts in the ministry before we made the decision. If they are ready, they can come to my office and we will tell them why we took the decision and the way forward,” he stated.

Source: Gertrude Otchere

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