The founding president of IMANI Africa and social commentator, Franklin Cudjoe, has called on the government to expand food storage facilities to ensure food security during periods of low rainfall.
During a press briefing on Monday, August 26, 2024, the Agric Minister announced a ban on grain exports due to concerns over a potential food crisis caused by drought in parts of northern Ghana.
To enforce the ban, security forces will be deployed to border areas, and the Finance Ministry has introduced a GH₵ 2.5 billion support package for farmers.
However, Mr. Cudjoe expressed concern that Ghanaians, already struggling with economic hardships, may not be able to withstand the impact of a food shortage.
“The agriculture, finance, and defence ministers are doing well to contain the situation. However, we should work harder not to depend on rains and build adequate storage for times like this. The economy and its inhabitants are too frail to take on another avoidable phenomenon,” he wrote in a social media post.
He further questioned the ‘One Village, One Dam’ promise of the Akufo-Addo-led government, which was intended to address drought issues in farming communities.
He asked, “l recall you [Bawumia] aggressively led the campaign for ‘1 village-1 dam’ as the best strategy to augment existing irrigation systems. And billions of money was poured into these dams. May l know the status of these dams? When are we expecting them to kick in and help?”