The Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, and the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, have expressed concerns over a potential rise in food inflation in the coming months, attributed to a significant decline in rainfall across parts of the country.
This warning follows their visit to farms in the Bono East Region on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, where over 45% of crops have been destroyed due to delayed rains.
The purpose of the ministers’ visit was to assess the impact of the recent drought on agricultural activities and determine the necessary measures to support both domestic and commercial farmers in the hardest-hit regions.
Speaking to the media after the tour, Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam highlighted the potential economic repercussions of the situation. He noted that food inflation, a major component of the overall inflation basket, could spiral out of control, adversely affecting economic growth and job creation.
“Food inflation could exceed our targets for the year. Inflation was on a downward trend, but events like these, particularly concerning food scarcity, have serious implications for pricing. When there is a shortage, it drives prices up, which in turn affects inflation. From an economic standpoint, I’m deeply concerned about the impact on our economic growth. If the economy isn’t growing, it means fewer jobs are being created,” he stated.
Dr. Amin Adam also revealed that the on-the-ground reality was more alarming than what had been presented to him in Accra. “I must be frank with you; the presentation the Minister of Agriculture made to me and my team in Accra was concerning, but seeing the situation firsthand has heightened my worries. We need to revisit our strategies and determine immediate actions to address this crisis,” he added.
He further mentioned that President Nana Akufo-Addo is equally concerned about the situation and had directed both ministers to assess the situation personally. “The President is very worried, and he sent us here to evaluate the situation. What we’ve seen clearly shows that the government must act quickly,” he assured.
Minister for Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong also expressed deep concerns about the situation, emphasizing the need for swift government intervention.
“Before the farming season started, we received meteorological reports predicting a dry spell, but we didn’t anticipate it would be this severe. In regions like Bono East, Bono, Oti, and the five northern regions, many farmers have lost their crops due to the dry weather. What we are witnessing here in Jatokrom, in the Kintampo North District, is equally distressing. The government must step in to assist the affected farmers so they can recover, feed their families, and resume farming once the rains return,” he stated.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Nana Kwadwo Adu/ Bono East Region
