Ghana has implemented a temporary ban on the export of grains such as maize, rice, and soybean to ensure sufficient domestic supply amid near-drought conditions disrupting crop production. The agriculture ministry announced this decision on Monday.
Rainfall in northern Ghana has been erratic and significantly lower than last year over the past two months, severely impacting crop yields. Approximately 1.8 million hectares (4.45 million acres) of land are at risk, with around half of that area already affected. Key crops like maize, rice, groundnut, soybean, sorghum, millet, and yam are among the hardest hit.
The regions impacted contribute to about 62% of Ghana’s annual grain supply, raising concerns about a potential nationwide food shortage. The export ban is effective immediately and will remain until the situation stabilizes.
To address the anticipated shortage, the government plans to utilize grain reserves from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), import grains, and collaborate with the private sector. Additionally, a series of interventions will be put in place to support vulnerable farmers.
Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam announced plans to raise $500 million to fund food security initiatives. The United Nations and the African Union have noted that Africa is experiencing climate change at a faster rate than the rest of the world, leading to more frequent and severe weather events like droughts.
Many African governments, including Ghana, are seeking a larger share of global climate financing this year to combat the increasing threats posed by climate change, especially as they navigate existing economic challenges.