Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has sought approval for GH₵500 million from the Contingency Fund in order to address the effects of food insecurity in the northern part of Ghana. .
This request comes days after President Akufo-Addo directed the Finance Ministry to raise GH₵8 billion in relief packages to assist farmers.
In a letter to Parliament’s Finance Committee, Dr Amin Adam said, “Considering that we are eight (8) months into the implementation of the 2024 Budget and the proposed interventions are unplanned. The government cannot fund the request of GH¢8.36 billion solely from a reallocation of existing budget lines in the 2024 Budget.” He said, the expenditure is occasioned by a “force majeure.”
“In light of the foregoing, we write to request approval from the Finance Committee for the withdrawal of GH¢500 million from the Contingency Fund. In accordance with Article 177 subsection 1 of the 1992 Constitution, Section 36 subsection 1 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921). As well as Section 227, subsection 1, of the Standing Orders of Parliament of Ghana.”
In response to the severe drought affecting Ghana’s northern regions, the government has already announced a ban on the export of grains with immediate effect.
Dr. Amin Adam explained that this National Emergency Response Programme will help the government institute the needed measures to address the situation.
This 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.
Northern Ghana is currently suffering from the effects of a prolonged drought that has sparked widespread concerns about food security and the livelihood of thousands of farmers.
The region has been without rain for over two months, and due to this, many crops have become stunted.
