Dry Spell: Afenyo-Markin Justifies Government’s GH¢3k Support for Farmers

Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has defended the government’s decision to allocate GH¢3,000 to farmers impacted by the dry spell in the Northern Region, emphasizing that this initiative reflects the government’s commitment to alleviating citizens’ suffering through social interventions.

His remarks came in response to concerns raised by some members of the Minority on Parliament’s Finance Committee regarding the Finance Minister’s request for GH₵500 million from the Contingency Fund to address the ongoing drought affecting eight regions.

The Minority questioned both the timing and rationale behind this request, as well as the decision to reduce the budgets of the Agriculture and Road Ministries to generate over GH₵8 billion for the response.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, October 16, Afenyo-Markin defended the government’s support for farmers, stating, “What is wrong with providing our farmers GH¢3,000? They have lost their livelihoods. The farmers in the North, especially the women, have lost their millets and maize. Should we simply watch them suffer? Absolutely not.”

He highlighted the government’s belief in social interventions and urged support for these efforts, while also agreeing on the need for greater transparency in the process.

In August 2024, the Northern Region faced a severe drought that raised significant concerns about food security and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. The area experienced over two months without rain, severely hindering crop growth and leaving farmers with little hope for a successful harvest.