Minority urges Government to tackle root causes as grain export ban proves ineffective

The Minority Spokesperson on Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku, has voiced strong opposition to the government’s recent decision to ban the exportation of grains, arguing that the move will not yield the expected positive outcomes.

On Monday, August 26, the government implemented the ban as a measure to prevent a potential food shortage due to reduced rainfall in northern Ghana.

However, Mr. Opoku contends that the government should address the root causes that drive the exportation of grains rather than imposing a ban. He questioned, “But what are the motivating factors? Is it the price? If they go there and they will get a higher price, certainly, the farmer will be motivated by the high price to send their grains to that place.” He further emphasized the need to prepare for a possible food crisis by stating, “But in this critical moment, now that we are in dire need of food, we have to stock enough food against a looming crisis.”

In contrast, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, remains optimistic, despite the severe drought in Northern Ghana that has sparked widespread concern about food security and the welfare of farmers. The region has endured over two months without rainfall, leading to stunted crop growth and diminishing the prospects of a successful harvest.

In an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Bryan Acheampong dismissed the fears of a potential food shortage, assuring the public that “such an occurrence will not happen in the country.”

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