The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has briefed Parliament on the utilization of funds secured to assist farmers impacted by severe drought in Ghana’s Northern Regions. Responding to an inquiry raised by the Keta Member of Parliament, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, the Minister confirmed that Ghana has successfully secured $81.92 million from the World Bank under the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP).
He assured the House that these funds are being used exclusively to supply critical agricultural inputs—including fertilizer, quality seeds, and other essential materials—directly to the drought-affected farmers to bolster their resilience and recovery.
In addition to addressing the immediate drought relief measures, Mr. Opoku also addressed concerns regarding the delayed establishment of a Farm Service Centre (FSC), specifically noting the inquiry concerning the Nandom Constituency.
The Minister revealed that the Ministry has comprehensive plans underway to establish these FSCs in all agricultural districts across the country. He emphasized that the purpose of these centres is to serve as one-stop hubs, providing farmers with significantly improved access to essential services such as mechanisation support, quality seeds, fertilizers, and comprehensive agricultural extension assistance, thereby creating a more robust and modernized farming sector nationwide.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
