Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has revealed that the government is dedicating GH₵8 billion to support farmers in Northern Ghana affected by the ongoing drought.
This funding aims to provide relief and implement measures to alleviate the impacts of the prolonged dry spell.
“While our efforts may not completely resolve the issue, they will significantly stabilize the situation until we can overcome the crisis,” Dr. Adam stated.
He emphasized that the government is working towards securing approximately USD 500 million, equivalent to GH₵8 billion, to support this crisis response program.
The relief package will include cash transfers, food supplies, and other essential items for the affected farmers. A technical task force from the Ministries of Finance and Food and Agriculture will oversee the distribution of these resources to ensure they are delivered fairly and transparently.
In a press briefing on Monday, August 26, Dr. Adam explained that GH₵2.5 billion of the allocated funds will come from the contingency fund, with GH₵2.4 billion sourced from development partners. Support from the World Bank will specifically be used for cash transfers and the provision of agricultural inputs.
Northern Ghana is experiencing a severe drought, which has led to significant concerns about food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. The region has endured over two months without rain, severely impacting crop growth and diminishing hopes for a fruitful harvest.