Upper West Agric Director Call on Government to Reassess Grain Export Ban Amidst Rising Concerns

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The Upper West Regional Director of the Department of Agriculture, Mr. Abu Huudu, has urged the government to reconsider its ongoing ban on the export of certain grains and cereals, notably maize and soybeans. Speaking during a policy dialogue organized by the Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Organizational Development (CIKOD) in collaboration with the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Huudu highlighted that the justification for the ban , initially imposed last year due to drought and fears of a lean harvest no longer aligns with the current circumstances.

Meanwhile, Nambie Nathaniel Zimmeeweh, District Director of Agriculture for Lambussie, decried the insufficient level of investment in agriculture by successive governments. He emphasized that the decision to restrict exports of staples such as maize and cowpea was not supported by empirical data. According to Zimmeeweh, accurate data on the volume of food produced at the district level is essential for informed decision-making, but such data collection remains hindered by lack of funding.

Mr. Daniel Banuoku, Deputy Executive Director of CIKOD, criticized the government's failure to fulfill the Malabo Declaration’s commitment to allocate at least 10% of national revenue to agriculture. He pointed out that available data indicates a paradox: as government expenditure on agriculture has increased, the sector’s growth rate has continued to decline, raising questions about the effectiveness of current policies.

The experts' comments underscore the urgent need for data-driven policy reforms and increased investment in agriculture to boost productivity and ensure food security in the region.