The Peasant Farmers Association is strongly opposed to the government’s ban on exporting essential grains such as maize, rice, and soyabean.
This ban, announced by Minister for Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, is intended to address food security concerns amid severe drought affecting agriculture in eight regions.
According to him, this measure will ensure food security within the country.
However, the association argues that this measure will harm farmers and disrupt the market without solving the underlying issues.
President of the Peasant Farmers Association, Bismark Owusu Nortey, criticized the government’s decision to impose the grain export ban without consulting farmers.
He emphasized that farmers are crucial stakeholders in the agricultural sector and should have been involved in the decision-making process to help find effective, collaborative solutions.
“The first one has to do with the government’s resolve to ban the export of grains. I think that this particular approach – is an approach that was not inclusive. They did not take on board the views the concerns and the possible challenges that this might have on farmers,” he said.
He warned that the export ban would force farmers to sell their produce at lower prices just to avoid spoilage, significantly impacting their profits.
“If you are announcing a ban, the ideal thing is to put in place local measures that will insulate the farmers from any possible low prices,” he suggested in an interview on Joy FM on August 27.