Close to five hundred thousand (500,000) individuals across eight regions of Ghana have been affected by the ongoing dry spell.

These regions account for approximately 62% of the country’s grain production.The regions are Bono, Bono East, Oti, Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, and Upper West.

This was disclosed by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, while addressing the press on Monday August 26.

According to the Agric Minister, farmers residing in these regions have suffered losses amounting to approximately GH₵3.5 billion in investments with a potential revenue loss of GHS10.4 billion.

He explained that approximately 871,745 hectares of their farmlands have been destroyed.

The Agric Minister stated that the most severely impacted crops across these regions include maize, rice, groundnuts, soybeans, sorghum, millet, and yam

Mr. Acheampong also mentioned that initial assessments show around 928,523 farmers cultivating 1,857,000 hectares are vulnerable.

He added that if the crops fail entirely, these farmers stand to lose an estimated GH₵7.4 billion in investments.

He added that "About 988,523 farmers cropping 1.8 million 557 thousand hectares are at risk. These farmers will lose an estimated investment of 7.4 billion Cedis if there is total crop failure. The corresponding revenue law is estimated at 22.2 billion.

“The affected farmers have lost an estimated investment of GHS 3.5 billion with a corresponding potential revenue loss of GHS10.4 billion”

“The corresponding revenue loss is estimated at GH₵22.2 billion representing 10% of agriculture GDP of GH₵220 billion investment”.

In response to the ongoing dry spell, the government has with immediate effect placed a ban on the export of grains including maize, rice, and soya bean.

It has also announced the construction of nineteen (19) small earth dams which will cover six hundred and five (605) hectares in the affected regions.

The dams will enhance irrigation, boost crop production, and support the livelihoods of individuals in the communities.