The agriculture sector is facing a serious challenge as a high level of drought in Ghana sweeps across the middle and northern regions of the country, putting over GH¢1.18 billion in investments at risk. Farmers in these areas have poured this amount into their crops, but with the extended dry spells predicted by the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet), their efforts may be in jeopardy.
The GMet has warned that regions within the transition zone are likely to experience longer-than-usual dry spells, potentially leading to severe drought in Ghana. Farmers are being urged to adapt by investing in improved seed varieties and employing advanced yield enhancement techniques to protect both food and cash crops.
In areas expected to see normal or slightly above-normal rainfall, such as the East Coast, GMet has advised farmers to focus on short-maturing crops to avoid losses from the unpredictable weather patterns.
GAWU Calls for Immediate Government Action
The Ghana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) has urged the government to step up its support for farmers by prioritizing irrigation and technological interventions to combat the negative impact of climate change on traditional farming practices. GMet forecasts indicate that regions like Cape Coast and Ada could experience dry spells lasting between eight to 16 days, further worsening the situation for farmers.
Samuel Yeboah, Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (GIRSAL), confirmed that the drought is endangering the livelihoods of 34,000 farmers who have secured loans with GIRSAL’s support to fund their agricultural projects.
Looming Food Insecurity
With inadequate rainfall leading to prolonged drought, experts fear that food production in Ghana’s key agricultural zones could plummet in the coming weeks, raising concerns about food security. Despite some sporadic rainfall in the middle and northern regions, GMet’s general forecast predicts extended dry periods, which could severely disrupt the country’s regular rainfall patterns.
GAWU has appealed to the government to offer financial relief to farmers, especially those struggling with loan repayments. General Secretary Andrews Addoquaye Tagoe emphasized that without government intervention, many farmers will be unable to meet their repayment obligations, exacerbating the financial strain caused by the drought. He called for immediate short-term support to ease farmers’ debt burdens and urged for long-term investments in irrigation and agricultural technology to ensure sustainable food production.
GMet’s Advice for Farmers
GMet’s Deputy Director and Head of Research, Francisca Martey, advised farmers to diversify their income-generating activities and adopt agricultural practices like no-tillage, mulching, and agroforestry to mitigate the effects of the drought. She also urged farmers to work closely with GMet and other agricultural authorities for expert advice on how to navigate the challenging conditions.
In areas expecting heavier rainfall, farmers must also prepare for potential health risks, including outbreaks of cholera, malaria, dengue fever, and diarrhoea. GMet recommended that public education campaigns on disaster risk reduction be intensified to minimize the spread of these diseases.
Weather Forecast and Flood Warnings
GMet’s latest weather forecast predicts that coastal regions like Cape Coast will experience long dry spells, while northern areas such as Tamale, Yendi, and Bimbilla are expected to receive mostly normal rainfall. However, communities like Salaga could see above-normal rainfall. In contrast, areas like Abetifi and Koforidua may endure longer dry seasons.
As the September-October-November rainy season approaches its peak, GMet has warned of potential heavy rains, strong winds, and lightning, increasing the risk of localised flooding in certain regions. The northern half of the country is particularly vulnerable to flooding, especially if the Bagre Dam in Burkina Faso overflows, while low-lying areas of Accra and Kumasi could face flash floods, potentially making some roads impassable.
With the drought already taking its toll on farmers and the unpredictable weather conditions adding further uncertainty, the need for immediate action and long-term solutions has never been more urgent. Farmers, with the support of the government and agricultural agencies, must adapt to the changing climate to safeguard their investments and secure the country’s food future.
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