The government has deployed security personnel nationwide, particularly to border towns in the northern part of the country, to enforce a newly announced ban on grain exports.

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This directive, issued by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, comes in response to the ongoing dry spell affecting agricultural production across several regions.

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Defense Minister Dominic Nitiwul revealed during a press conference that security agencies have been mobilized to ensure that grains, including maize, rice, and soybeans, are not illegally smuggled into neighboring countries.

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This measure aims to prevent potential food shortages within Ghana due to the current harsh climatic conditions.

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"We want to assure you, and the nation, that the security agencies are immediately activating their network to ensure that the ban on cereals, which has been listed, is rigidly enforced so that nobody will take even a single grain out," Nitiwul stated.

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The Defense Minister explained that both approved and unapproved routes will be closely monitored by security forces, including military and police units, to prevent any attempts to circumvent the export ban.

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The focus will be on the northern, eastern, and southern borders of the country, areas identified as key transit points for potential smuggling activities.

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Nitiwul also called on citizens to play an active role in upholding the ban by reporting any suspicious activities related to grain smuggling.

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"You are security people. So as long as you see something that has escaped the eagle eye of the security, please let us know," he urged.

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He further stressed the importance of public participation, stating, "We are deploying all across the borders, particularly the northern side, and also to the east and the south. If for some reason there is some unapproved route or approved route, or somebody sees something that is going on that is not right, please let us know so that we can act appropriately. It’s for the good of all of us that we should not make our citizens suffer."

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The government’s swift response is intended to safeguard food security in the face of the ongoing drought, ensuring that local grain supplies are not depleted by exports. The involvement of security agencies underscores the administration's determination to enforce the ban and prevent any illegal outflow of essential food commodities.

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