The Minority spokesperson on Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku, has criticized the government’s recent ban on grain exports, arguing that it will not yield the intended positive results.
The government announced the ban on Monday, August 26, as a measure to avert a potential food shortage following decreased rainfall in northern Ghana.
However, Mr. Opoku contends that, rather than imposing a ban, the government should concentrate on addressing the root causes that drive the exportation of grains.
“But what are the motivating factors? Is it the price? If they go there and they will get a higher price, certainly, the farmer will be motivated by the high price to send their grains to that place.
“But in this critical moment, now that we are in dire need of food, we have to stock enough food against a looming crisis” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has expressed optimism that there will be no famine despite the current drought in Northern Ghana.
Northern Ghana is grappling with a severe drought that has raised widespread concerns about food security and the livelihood of thousands of farmers.
The region has experienced no rainfall for over two months, resulting in stunted crop growth and leaving farmers with little hope for a successful harvest.
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