Government has announced an immediate ban on the export of key grains, including maize, rice, and soybean.

This is in response to the ongoing dry spell that has devastated agricultural production in eight regions.

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

Mr Acheampong made this declaration during a press briefing on August 26.

"With immediate effect, the government is placing a ban on the export of grains including maize, rice, and soybean until the situation normalises," he said.

"This measure is essential to ensure the availability of these critical crops on the domestic market,” the Minister stated.

The decision comes on the heels of alarming reports revealing that 435,872 farmers have already lost an estimated GH₵ 3.5 billion in investment due to the prolonged dry conditions.

The affected crops include staples such as maize, rice, groundnut, soybean, sorghum, millet, and yam. With these regions contributing about 62% of the country’s grain supply, the government’s move seeks to prioritise domestic consumption and prevent a potential food crisis.

• Read also: Dry Spell: Affected farmers have lost investment of GH₵3.5bn – Agric Minister

The Minister also outlined support measures for farmers impacted by the ban. He urged them to engage with local agricultural offices.

“Any farmer with stock and interested in selling should contact our district directors across the country, our district aggregators, or the directorate of crops, MoFA.

"This is to ensure that farmers do not suffer adversely as a result of this ban,” Mr. Acheampong added.