On Monday, Ghana announced a temporary ban on grain exports, including maize, rice, and soybean, to ensure domestic supply amid severe near-drought conditions.
The agriculture ministry implemented this measure due to disrupted crop production.
Rainfall in northern Ghana has been irregular and lower than last year, affecting crop yields.
The dry weather impacts the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, with around 1.8 million hectares of land at risk, and half of that area already affected.
Crops such as maize, rice, groundnut, soybean, sorghum, millet, and yam are hit hardest.
These regions produce about 62% of Ghana’s annual grain supply, raising concerns about a potential nationwide food shortage, according to the ministry.
The export ban is effective immediately and will stay in place until conditions improve.
The government plans to address the shortage using ECOWAS grain reserves, imports, and private sector partnerships, and will support vulnerable farmers.
Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam announced plans to raise $500 million for food security interventions.
Africa faces intensified climate challenges, and governments are seeking increased global climate financing to combat these threats.
