Hon. Eric Opoku, Minority Spokesperson for Agriculture and MP for Asunafo South, has challenged the government’s recent grain export ban, arguing that it will not achieve the intended results.
Announced on August 26 in response to reduced rainfall in northern Ghana, the ban aims to prevent a potential food shortage.
However, Hon. Eric Opoku contends that addressing the fundamental issues driving grain exports is more effective than imposing a ban.
He questioned whether price incentives are motivating farmers to export their grains and suggests that the focus should be on ensuring adequate food reserves to mitigate any potential crisis.
In contrast, Minister of Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong remains optimistic about the country’s food security despite the severe drought in Northern Ghana.
With the region experiencing over two months of no rainfall, resulting in poor crop growth and farmer distress, Acheampong assures that fears of a famine are unfounded and that the situation will be managed without leading to a food shortage.
