In August 2024, the government of Ghana announced an ambitious plan to support farmers affected by the devastating dry spell that crippled agricultural productivity. The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Bryan Acheampong, outlined measures that included financial support, food grants of 25kg of rice and 100kg of maize for 800,000 farmers, and the creation of an online grain market to provide affordable maize and rice to the public. An allocation of GHS 8 billion was made to fund these relief efforts.
However, an investigation by The Environment Report has revealed glaring discrepancies in the implementation of these measures. Farmers in the Upper West, Upper East, and Bono East regions have reported that they did not receive any form of aid, contradicting the government’s claims.
In the Lawra District of the Upper West Region, farmers from Yagtuuri-Wobdo, Yagtuuri-Baadour, and Zambo-Badi confirmed they received no assistance. Similar accounts emerged from farmers in the Upper East and Bono East regions. During interviews conducted over the Christmas season, many shared harrowing stories of crop failures, including maize, groundnut, sorghum, and yam, despite significant investments in fertilizers. The lack of promised relief has left these farmers in dire financial straits.
The Environment Report is now demanding answers from the outgoing Minister of Food and Agriculture. Key questions include:
1. When did the distribution of relief items begin?
2. Which organizations were responsible for receiving and distributing the food and financial aid?
3. Why are district agricultural officers unaware of the process?
With a new government under the NDC set to take office, The Environment Report is calling for an urgent investigation into the matter to ensure that affected farmers receive the compensation they desperately need.
Awudu Salami Sulemana Yoda, Director of The Environment Report, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “The farmers affected by the dry spell are going through immense hardship. It is imperative that they are compensated as soon as possible.”
