Dry spell: Affected farmers to receive GH¢1,000 each, not GH¢3K – Bryan Acheampong clarifies

Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong has publicly refuted claims suggesting that the government is distributing GH¢3,000 to 800, 000 farmers affected by the recent dry spell in the northern regions of Ghana.

This issue came to light after Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson alleged that the ruling government was allocating GH¢3,000 per farmer to gain political favour ahead of the upcoming December 7 elections.

Dr. Forson’s accusations implied that the payments were being made to compensate farmers who had experienced significant losses due to the prolonged dry season, which has deeply impacted agricultural productivity in the northern parts of the country.

He suggested that the real motive behind these payments was not entirely to provide relief, but rather to influence the voting decisions of affected farmers in a crucial election year.

However, Bryan Acheampong, in a statement during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, October 16, categorically denied the allegations.

He clarified that the government has committed to providing only GH¢1,000 to each farmer who is deemed particularly vulnerable to the agricultural challenges posed by the current climate conditions.

The minister emphasised that this amount is intended to support farmers by offering them subsidized agricultural inputs, particularly fertilisers, which are crucial for ensuring the sustainability of their farms during this difficult period.

“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.”