In August 2024, the government of Ghana announced measures to support farmers affected by the 2024 dry spell, including financial support and food grants. Minister for Food and Agriculture, Honourable Bryan Acheampong, stated that 800,000 farmers would receive 25kg of rice and 100kg of maize, while an online grain market would be set up to allow the public to purchase maize and rice at affordable prices . The government also allocated GHS 8 billion to provide relief and mitigative measures for affected farmers. However, the Environment Report's investigation through its Mission Visits has uncovered some alarming discrepancies in the government's response to the 2024 dry spell. Despite the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Honourable Bryan Acheampong, announcing measures to support affected farmers, including financial support and food grants, some farmers in the Upper West Region, Upper East Region, and Bono East Region reported not receiving any aid. In the Lawra District of the Upper West Region for instance, our team spoke to farmers in communities such as Yagtuuri-Wobdo, Yagtuuri-Baadour, and Zambo-Badi and they all confirmed not receiving anything.
A farmer at Lawra speaking to ghenvironment.com
Same information was given by farmers interviewed in the Upper East and the Bono East regions. These farmers, who were interviewed during the Christmas festive season, shared heartbreaking stories of crop failures, including maize, groundnut, soghum, and yam, after investing heavily in fertilizers. The lack of support has left them struggling to make ends meet. The Environment Report is now seeking answers from the outgoing Minister of Food and Agriculture regarding the distribution of food and financial support. Specifically, we want to know when the distribution started, which organization received the food and financial support on behalf of the Ministry, and why Agric officers in the various districts seem to be in the dark about the entire process. It is imperative that the incoming NDC government investigates this matter urgently and ensures that affected farmers receive the compensation they deserve. The farmers who were affected by the dry spell are going through a lot of hardship and it is imperative that they compensated as soon as possible. Awudu Salami Sulemana Yoda Director, The Environment Report 0244127393