Government allocates GH¢8bn relief package for farmers hit by drought

The Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, has announced that the government has set aside GH¢8 billion to provide relief and mitigative measures for farmers affected by the recent dry spell.

Speaking on the crisis, he acknowledged that while the response may not completely neutralize the impact of the drought, it will play a significant role in stabilising the situation.

“Our response may not entirely neutralize the extent of the problem. But our response certainly will help stabilise the situation until we get out of the crisis,” Dr Adam stated.

He further elaborated that the government is working to raise approximately $500 million (equivalent to GH¢8 billion) to fund the crisis response programme.

The relief package includes cash transfers and the distribution of food and other essential items to the affected farmers.

To ensure transparency and fairness, a technical task force comprising the Ministries of Finance and Food and Agriculture will oversee the distribution of these relief items.

Dr Amin Adam detailed the funding sources for the relief effort, explaining that GH¢2.5 billion will come from the contingency fund, while development partners will provide GH¢2.4 billion.

He highlighted that the support from the World Bank will specifically be used for cash transfers and the provision of farming inputs.