The Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has urgently requested the release of GH₵500 million from Ghana’s Contingency Fund to tackle the escalating food insecurity crisis caused by an ongoing drought in the northern regions.
This appeal comes as farmers face significant challenges due to a prolonged dry spell that has disrupted agricultural activities and threatened food production.
In his formal request to Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr. Amin Adam highlighted the critical need for additional funds, citing the unplanned nature of the crisis and the limitations of the current budget.
“Considering that we are eight (8) months into the implementation of the 2024 Budget and the proposed interventions are unplanned expenditure occasioned by a ‘force majeure,’ the government cannot fund the request of GH₵8.36 billion solely from a reallocation of existing budget lines in the 2024 Budget,” he wrote.
Dr. Amin Adam emphasised the urgency of the situation, requesting the Finance Committee’s approval to withdraw GH₵500 million from the Contingency Fund, as per the guidelines set out in the 1992 Constitution and relevant financial management laws.
This funding is intended to provide immediate relief and support to the affected regions, ensuring that necessary measures are in place to mitigate the impact of the drought.
To further strengthen its response, the government is seeking to mobilise support from international development partners and adjust its fiscal operations to prioritise drought relief efforts. These measures are crucial in addressing the severe drought conditions that have left many farmers struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
In a bid to secure local food supplies, the government has also announced an immediate ban on grain exports. This measure is designed to stabilise the domestic market and ensure that adequate food stocks are available for the local population.
The drought has persisted for over two months, causing widespread concern among farmers and communities in northern Ghana. With no significant rainfall, crops have withered, and the threat of food shortages looms large.
The government’s proactive steps aim to provide immediate relief and implement long-term strategies to bolster food security and support agricultural resilience in the affected regions.
As the situation unfolds, the Finance Minister’s call for emergency funding underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
The release of GH₵500 million from the Contingency Fund is expected to play a pivotal role in alleviating the drought’s impact and restoring stability to the country’s food supply chain.
