The Deputy Ranking Member on the Food and Agricultural Committee, Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, has expressed concern about the government's decision to inject GH₵8 billion in funds into mitigating the current agricultural crisis.

He questioned the policy's transparency and effectiveness, suggesting it could lead to a repeat of the issues experienced with the global community's support for Covid-19.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on August 27, Mr Seidu Jasaw emphasised the need for a clear implementation plan.

• Read also: Finance Ministry directed to raise GH₵8bn to deal with dry spell

“When we have evidence that you injected GH₵3.2 billion, and this is where it has brought us, you are going to inject an additional GH₵8 billion. We have said that this is just another avenue to repeat what happened with the COVID-19 support from the global community,” Dr. Jasaw stated.

He urged the government to provide a detailed plan that convincingly outlines how the money will be used to address the ongoing food insecurity crisis. Without such a plan, he warned, the funds might not be effectively utilised.

His concerns follow the announcement of an immediate ban on the export of key grains, including maize, rice, and soybean in response to the ongoing dry spell that has devastated agricultural production in eight regions.

• Read also: Dry spell: Government bans export of grains with immediate effect

According to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, this measure will ensure food security within the country.

But Dr. Jasaw has criticised the government's decision to ban the exportation of grains, noting that Ghana is not currently exporting the grains affected by the ban, such as rice, maize, and soya.

He further questioned how neighboring countries might react to this ban and whether they might impose similar restrictions.

“What is the implication of these policy measures on our food security situation? We are importing tomatoes and onions from neighboring countries, and there is the same drought happening in those countries as well.

"Just imagine the situation where they decide to also ban the exportation of foodstuffs,” he remarked.