Gov’t raising GHS8 billion to support food security interventions — Finance Minister

The Government of Ghana has unveiled plans to raise $500 million (GHS 8 billion) in critical funding to support the country's food security interventions.

Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adams announced the measure at a press briefing with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture on Monday, August 26.

The briefing focused on updating the public on measures being taken to mitigate the impact of the current dry spell affecting some regions of Ghana.

"We are looking to raise $500 million (GHS 8 billion) to support our food security interventions. This will be from a combination of funds from the Contingency Fund, Budget Realignment, and Development Partner Funding," Dr. Adams stated.

He added that the funds would be distributed equitably throughout the country devoid of political considerations since hunger knows no party colours.

“The people affected by drought are not determined by party colours. Hunger knows no political affiliation. We have put in place stringent measures to ensure that these resources are distributed equitably to farmers most in need, throughout the country," Dr. Amin Adams said.

The Minister assured that the funds will be properly managed for the intended purpose.

“This includes a joint technical committee with our development partners. This is about survival and should not be politicized," he stressed.

The massive financial support aims to provide relief for farmers struggling with crop losses and strengthen Ghana's long-term agricultural productivity.

Farmers are being urged to register on the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP) website to access assistance.

This comes after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo promised to announce measures to mitigate the impact of the dry season affecting farmers in the Northern part of the country.

“As I am in the region, it is important that I comment on a matter of considerable importance to the peoples of the northern regions of our country.

“I am aware of the impact that the dry season has had on farm output, I want to assure you that Government, in the next few days, will announce the measures to address the situation,” the president wrote in a post on X.