Ghana has enacted a temporary ban on exporting grains including maize, rice, and soybean to ensure adequate domestic supply as the country contends with severe drought conditions impacting crop yields, according to the agriculture ministry.
In recent months, rainfall in northern Ghana has been inconsistent and significantly less than last year’s amounts.
The ongoing dry spell has disrupted agricultural output in Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d’Ivoire.
About 1.8 million hectares (4.45 million acres) are at risk, with around half of that area already affected. The crops most impacted include maize, rice, groundnut, soybean, sorghum, millet, and yam.
Support for Affected Farmers
Regions impacted by the grain export ban, which represent approximately 62% of Ghana’s annual grain supply, are raising concerns about a potential national food shortage. The ban is effective immediately and will remain until conditions stabilize.
The ministry plans to mitigate the shortage through grain reserves from the regional bloc ECOWAS, imports, and private sector partnerships. Various measures will also be implemented to aid the farmers in need.
Climate Change Challenges
Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam has announced plans to secure $500 million for food security initiatives.
Africa is experiencing climate change at an accelerated pace compared to other regions, resulting in more severe weather events and droughts, as reported by international and continental bodies.
Governments across the continent, including Ghana, are seeking a larger share of global climate funding this year to address these increasing challenges.
