Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has announced that the government has allocated GH¢8 billion to provide relief and implement measures for farmers affected by the ongoing drought in Ghana. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, August 26, Dr. Amin Adam emphasized that while the response may not completely neutralize the severity of the drought, it will help stabilize the situation until the crisis subsides.
“As the Honourable Minister for Food and Agriculture mentioned, we are seeking to raise about 500 million U.S. dollars, equivalent to GH¢8 billion, to fund the crisis response programme,” Dr. Amin Adam stated.
The allocated funds will be used to deliver relief packages that include cash transfers and the distribution of food and other essential items to affected farmers. A technical task force, comprising officials from the Ministries of Finance and Food and Agriculture, will oversee the distribution of these relief items to ensure fairness and accountability.
Of the GH¢8 billion allocated, GH¢2.5 billion will be sourced from the contingency fund, while an additional GH¢2.4 billion will come from development partners. Dr. Amin Adam also noted that support from the World Bank will be specifically directed toward cash transfers and the supply of agricultural inputs to assist farmers during this challenging period.
The Northern region of Ghana is currently facing severe droughts, raising concerns about food insecurity and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. The region has gone over two months without rain, leading to stunted crop growth and diminishing the prospects of a successful harvest.
Early reports indicate that the drought is already affecting market prices, with some market women in Tema in the Greater Accra Region reporting higher prices for yam, which is largely produced in the drought-stricken regions.
