Starting October 10, 2024, over 800,000 farmers in Ghana will benefit from food grants as part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the prolonged dry spell that has significantly impacted the country’s agricultural sector. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, announced the initiative during a recent press briefing, emphasizing the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by farmers in the hardest-hit regions.

Each registered farmer will receive 25kg of rice and 100kg of maize to ensure their basic needs are met, as the government intensifies efforts to stabilize the food system. Additionally, an online grain market will be launched on the same day to allow the public to access affordable maize and rice.

The government’s response has been shaped by extensive audits and analyses of the current agricultural situation, which mobilized both local resources and international support, including backing from the World Bank and ECOWAS. In a bid to promote transparency and accountability, the distribution of these food grants will be managed through the Ghana Agriculture and Agribusiness Platform (GhAAP).

Looking to the future, Acheampong outlined long-term plans for agricultural resilience, focusing on irrigation and grain storage expansion. He revealed that the government has committed to investing GHS 3 billion annually in irrigation over the next decade and plans to increase grain storage capacity by 100,000 metric tons each year over the next 16 years.

This relief package not only addresses immediate food security concerns but also reinforces the government’s strategic initiatives, such as the second phase of the Planting for Food and Jobs program, which aims to secure the future of Ghana’s agricultural landscape​