Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Boniface Gambila, has expressed concerns over the government’s recent decision to impose a ban on grain exports without consulting relevant stakeholders.
He highlighted the importance of Ghana’s strong ties with Burkina Faso and other neighbouring countries, emphasizing that these relationships should have been considered before implementing such a ban, as it could have significant repercussions if not carefully managed.
During a press briefing in Accra on Monday, August 26, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, announced the ban due to a dry spell affecting Northern Ghana.
The ban aims to ensure a steady supply of grains for the domestic market.
In an interview with Accra-based Citi News, Ambassador Gambila remarked, “I wasn’t consulted. The Minister is working with his figures and believes that a temporary or total ban may be the solution. However, I wish this had been discussed before the decision was made. I’m not sure if there was any coordination with neighbouring countries.
“We are supposed to follow a policy of good neighbourliness, so it’s crucial to discuss and find joint solutions. These issues seriously affect people across borders, and ministers from both sides should collaborate to address them.
“Acting independently can lead to division and retaliation. That’s why I believe cross-border discussions are essential.
“As someone who has studied economics and agriculture, I know that in times of such challenges, import and export controls are necessary to avoid problems within ECOWAS and the AU. I’m not sure if we’ve assessed the quantities of produce that come from Burkina Faso, Togo, and Ivory Coast into Ghana or if we’ve examined the relevant data,” he stated.
Source: Adomonline
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