Ghana stands to lose in ban on grain export - Emmanuel Kotin
Security analyst and Executive Director of the Africa Center for Security and Counterterrorism, Emmanuel Kotin, has advised the government to reconsider the ban on the exportation of grains due to the dry spell in the northern and middle belts of Ghana.
He expressed concerns that such a ban, if not carefully thought through, could provoke retaliatory measures from neighbouring countries, potentially threatening Ghana's food security.
Mr Kotin emphasised that Ghana could face significant losses if the policy is implemented without proper consideration.
He noted that as a signatory to ECOWAS protocols, Ghana cannot unilaterally make decisions that disregard these agreements.
The ban imposed as a response to drought conditions affecting grain production in northern Ghana, includes key grains like rice, corn, and soy.
The move is intended to prevent a potential food shortage due to crop failures.
The northern and middle belts of Ghana, responsible for about 62 per cent of Ghana's grain production, have been hit hard by a lack of rain over the past two months, raising concerns about a significant shortfall in grain availability.
In a radio interview on Accra-based 3FM on Friday [August 30, 2024], Mr Kotin argued that given the current drought, Ghana could appeal to ECOWAS leadership for permission to ban grain exports.
However, he criticised the government's decision to do so unilaterally, calling it inappropriate without prior consultation with ECOWAS.
In response to the drought, Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has requested GH₵500 million from the Contingency Fund to address the growing threat of food insecurity.
This comes after the government allocated GH₵8 billion for a relief package to support farmers affected by the drought.
However, Kotin raised concerns about whether the funds would be appropriately distributed to the affected farmers or misused for political gain, given that the general elections are less than 100 days away.
He also questioned why similar relief efforts were not extended to residents of the Volta region affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Mr Kotin further criticised the lack of stakeholder engagement before implementing the grain export ban, describing it as an "unconstitutional order" from the ministers of agriculture and defense.
He called for proper procedures to be followed and for the government to engage relevant stakeholders to avoid potential fallout from neighbouring countries.
He warned that if West African countries retaliate, "Ghana will be the loser," stressing the importance of doing things correctly to safeguard the nation's interests.