On August 27, Ghana’s Ministry of Agriculture announced a temporary ban on the export of cereals, including corn, rice, and soybeans, to ensure domestic supply amid disrupted agricultural production due to a less rainy season.
The regions affected produce about 62% of the country’s annual grain supply, raising concerns about potential food shortages. The export ban is effective immediately and will remain until conditions improve.
To address the shortfall, the Ministry plans to utilize grain reserves from ECOWAS, import additional grains, and collaborate with the private sector. They will also implement measures to support vulnerable farmers.
Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam announced on X that the government aims to raise $500 million to bolster food security efforts. Recent erratic and reduced rainfall in northern Ghana has impacted agricultural output, with around 1.8 million hectares at risk, affecting crops such as maize, rice, groundnuts, soybeans, sorghum, millet, and yams. Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, faces significant challenges due to the dry weather.
