In a recent interview, Ghana’s Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong attributed the ongoing drought crisis in the country to climate change, emphasizing that the core issue is not irrigation but rather the shifting weather patterns.
Acheampong stated that the Ghana Meteorological Agency had alerted the government about a critical change in the planting season, which has been delayed by an entire month due to climate change. “This shift in the planting season, which is a fundamental change caused by climate change, disrupted our agricultural planning,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged that while climate change itself cannot be prevented, measures must be put in place to protect Ghana’s food systems. He noted that irrigation is one such measure, allowing for year-round farming independent of rainfall. However, Acheampong clarified that developing robust irrigation infrastructure requires substantial investment, which differs significantly from the smaller earth dams constructed under the government’s “One District, One Dam” initiative.
Emergency Measures to Protect Farmers
In response to the drought, the Ghanaian government has announced several emergency measures to support farmers, including:
- Financial Support: Vulnerable farmers will receive GH¢1,000 per hectare to help cover investment losses.
- Food Grants: The government will provide food grants to ensure basic nutritional needs are met.
- Export Ban: A temporary ban on grain exports has been implemented to stabilize local supply.
- Direct Purchases: The government will purchase stock directly from farmers to support them during this crisis.
- Technical Assistance: Efforts will be made to provide cash transfers, food grants, input support, and technical assistance for soil moisture conservation.
The Agric minister, Bryan Acheampong concluded that while the government is committed to expanding irrigation projects, addressing the broader impacts of climate change on agriculture remains a significant challenge that necessitates comprehensive planning and continuous adaptation.
