Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has revealed that the government has earmarked 8 billion Ghana Cedis to help farmers affected by the dry spell. The allocation will cover relief efforts and initiatives aimed at minimizing the impact of the drought on farming communities.
The government’s support package for drought-affected farmers comprises financial assistance and the provision of food and other vital supplies.
According to Dr Amin a technical task force, comprising representatives from the Finance and Food and Agriculture Ministries, will be responsible for ensuring the fair and accountable distribution of these relief items.
“Our response may not entirely neutralise the extent of the problem. But our response certainly will help in stabilising the situation until we get out of the crisis. And so as the Honourable Minister for Food and Agriculture said, we are seeking to raise about 500 million U.S. dollars, the equivalent of 8 billion Ghana Cedis, to fund the crisis response programme”, the minister emphasised
At a press briefing on Monday, August 26, Dr. Amin Adam, Finance Minister, outlined the funding sources for the crisis response package.
He stated that 2.5 billion Cedis will come from the government’s contingency fund, while 2.4 billion Cedis will be provided by development partners, including the World Bank.
The World Bank’s support will be earmarked for cash transfers and input supplies to affected farmers.
The Northern region of Ghana is facing an acute drought crisis, threatening the food security and livelihoods of thousands of farmers.
With no rainfall in over two months, crops are struggling to grow, and farmers are bracing themselves for a potentially disastrous harvest season.