The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has reported that 928,523 farmers cultivating 1,857,000 hectares are at risk of losing approximately GH₵7.4 billion if crops fail.
He added that the potential revenue loss could reach GH₵22.2 billion, which represents 10% of the agriculture sector’s GDP of GH₵220 billion.
This situation is attributed to the ongoing dry spell in the northern part of the country.
During a press briefing in Accra on Monday, Mr. Acheampong also noted that as of August 20, 435,872 farmers working 871,745 hectares have already been directly affected by the drought.
“Preliminary reports indicate that about 928,523 farmers cropping 1,857,000 hectares are at risk. These farmers will lose an estimated investment of GH₵7.4 billion if there is total crop failure. The corresponding revenue loss is estimated at GH₵22.2 billion, representing 10% of the agriculture GDP of GH₵220 billion.
“As of 20th August, 435,872 farmers cultivating an estimated area of 871,745 hectares have been directly affected. Maize, rice, groundnut, soybean, sorghum, millet, and yam are the most widely affected crops across these regions.
“The affected farmers have lost an estimated investment of GH₵3.5 billion with a corresponding potential revenue loss of GH₵10.4 billion,” he stated.
