Ghana Bans Grain Exports to Ease a Possible Domestic Shortage

Accra, Ghana - The Government of Ghana has imposed a ban on the exportation of grains such as maize, rice, and soyabeans from the country until 2025, in a move to address a possible shortage of these essential commodities caused by the devastating dry spells that hit the northern and some parts of Ghana early in 2024.

The directive was announced by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, during a press conference on Monday. According to the Minister, the decision was made to ensure that Ghana's domestic food security is maintained and that citizens have access to these basic staples.

The dry spells that affected Ghana in 2024 might result in significant crop losses, particularly in the northern regions, which are major producers of maize, rice, and soyabeans. The shortage may lead to a surge in prices of these commodities, making them unaffordable for many Ghanaians.

"We are taking this decision to ensure that we have enough food for our citizens and to prevent further price increases," said Dr. Acheampong. "We understand that this may cause inconvenience for some exporters, but we must prioritize our domestic food security."

The ban will remain in place until 2025, when the country is expected to recover from the effects of the dry spells and replenish its grain stocks. The Ministry of Agriculture has also announced plans to increase its production of these grains through irrigation and other agricultural interventions.

The decision has been welcomed by farmers and agricultural workers who have been affected by the dry spell. "This is a welcome relief for us," said Zeningta, a farmer from the Upper West region. "We were struggling to make ends meet due to the dry spell . We hope that this ban will help us get back on our feet."

The government has also urged Ghanaians to conserve water and adopt sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the impact of climate change on the country's agriculture sector.

The ban on grain exports is expected to have a significant impact on Ghana's economy, particularly in the export sector. However, the government is confident that the decision will ultimately benefit the country's food security and stability.