The Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has defended the government’s decision to allocate GH¢3,000 to farmers affected by the severe drought in the Northern Region, emphasizing that the move is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to alleviating citizen hardship through social interventions.
His remarks follow concerns raised by Minority members on Parliament’s Finance Committee over a request by the Finance Minister for GH¢500 million from the Contingency Fund to address the drought, which has impacted eight regions. The Minority questioned the timing, the rationale for the request, and the decision to reduce the budgets of the Agriculture and Road Ministries to raise over GH¢8 billion to tackle the issue.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, October 16, Afenyo-Markin defended the GH¢3,000 support, stating that it is vital for farmers who have lost their livelihoods.
“What is wrong if our farmers are getting GH¢3,000? Farmers in the north have lost their livelihoods, especially the women who have lost their millets and maize. The government is giving them cash and feed—should we watch them die? Mr. Speaker, no. This government believes in social interventions and is supporting them,” he said, adding that there should be greater transparency in the process.
The Northern Region experienced a severe drought in August 2024, with no rainfall for over two months, stunting crop growth and threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers, raising concerns about food security in the area.
