The Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Tanko Bagbara, says that the government must prioritise a deep understanding of climate change to better prepare for future droughts.

According to him, the Minister has met with the Meteorological Agency to enhance collaboration through various programmes.

• Read also: Agric Ministry admits northern Ghana’s drought caught them off guard

Mr Bagbara also noted that the government has provided the Meteorological Agency with equipment to improve their ability to predict weather patterns and offer guidance to farmers.

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Speaking at a press conference on Monday, August 26, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, revealed that farmers in eight regions affected by the ongoing drought have suffered investment losses totalling approximately GH₵3.5 billion.

He also stated that these farmers are at risk of losing an estimated GH₵10.4 billion in potential revenue.

Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show, Mr Bagbara said, "In fact, they have been impeded on the agriculture and agribusiness platform, where farmers would have direct access to reliable weather information that would inform the planning of our production calendar."

Mr Bagbara emphasised the importance of further developing irrigation infrastructure.

He noted that significant progress has been made, such as the successful rehabilitation of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, which is now fully operational, and the ongoing Afram Plains Economic Enclave Irrigation Scheme.

"When all of these are fully utilized, we, as a country, will be moving from rain-fed agriculture to a more reliable water source. With water, you can be assured of good yields in production."