Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has formally requested urgent funding to address a looming food security crisis that threatens to impact over 900,000 farmers across eight regions of the country. The appeal follows a severe drought that has significantly disrupted crop production, particularly in the Northern, Upper East, North East, Savannah, Upper West, Bono, Bono East, and Oti regions.
In a press release, Dr. Adam disclosed that the Ministry of Finance received a letter from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) on August 19, 2024, highlighting the dire consequences of protracted poor rainfall. The resulting food shortages have not only led to a decline in GDP but have also escalated security threats and extremism in the affected areas.
“The Ministry is in receipt of letter no. SC504/505/03 dated 19 August, 2024 from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), requesting funding to implement a National Emergency Response Programme to address an impending food security crisis,” Dr. Adam stated.
MoFA’s letter outlined the urgent need for an estimated GH¢8.36 billion to implement measures that could avert a full-blown crisis. These measures include mopping up existing stock from farmers, the urgent importation of grains, and providing cash transfers and input support to the affected farmers.
However, Dr. Adam highlighted the financial constraints the government faces, noting that the requested amount represents unplanned expenditure not covered by the 2024 Budget. “Government cannot fund the request of GH¢8.36 billion solely from a reallocation of existing budget lines in the 2024 Budget,” he noted.
In response, the Finance Minister has sought approval from the Finance Committee for the withdrawal of GH¢500 million from the Contingency Fund. This withdrawal, if approved, will be complemented by additional support from development partners and a realignment of fiscal operations within the existing budget framework.
Dr. Adam emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing the heightened risk of extremism in the five Northern Regions and three Transitional Zones if the crisis is not addressed promptly. “Your urgent approval would enable the Government to implement the critical measures required to address the situation,” he appealed.
The call for emergency funding underscores the gravity of the food security crisis facing Ghana, as the country grapples with the impacts of climate change and other external shocks. The government’s swift response will be crucial in mitigating the adverse effects on both the economy and national security.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
