Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong has strongly denied claims that the government is providing GH¢3,000 to 800,000 farmers impacted by the recent dry spell in northern Ghana.

This clarification follows allegations made by Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who suggested that the ruling government was disbursing these funds to win political favor ahead of the December 7 elections.

Dr. Forson's accusations pointed to the government’s payments as a response to the significant losses farmers have suffered due to the prolonged dry season, which has severely affected agricultural productivity in the northern regions.

He implied that the government’s intentions were less about aiding farmers and more about influencing their voting choices in an election year.

In response, Minister Acheampong addressed the issue during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, October 16, firmly rejecting Dr. Forson's assertions.

He stressed that the government’s assistance program will allocate only GH¢1,000 to each farmer identified as particularly vulnerable to the agricultural challenges presented by the current climate conditions.

Dr Acheampong further explained that this financial support is designed to help farmers acquire subsidised agricultural inputs, especially fertilizers, which are essential for maintaining their farms during this challenging time.

“We have not said anywhere that we are giving GH¢3,000 to any farmer. We have not said anywhere. In my press conferences from the beginning, I mentioned that we are going to give GH¢1,000 per farmer."

“If you can identify very vulnerable farmers in your constituency, we are allocating fertilisers to you to give to these very vulnerable farmers," he stated.