The Minority in Parliament has criticized the government’s allocation of GHS1,000 to about 800,000 farmers in the Northern Region, describing it as an attempt to influence voters.
They allege that the funds, intended to assist farmers affected by the dry spell, have not been approved by Parliament.
The Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, raised concerns about the transparency and economic impact of the disbursement. He warned that the approach could push the country into another economic crisis, drawing parallels to how COVID-19 funds were mismanaged.
He stressed that the minister responsible must be summoned to Parliament to provide details on the GHS8 billion relief package announced to support the affected farmers. The Minority insists that Parliament’s approval is required for such expenditure, especially in an election year.
However, the Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, defended the government’s decision, emphasizing that the intervention is part of its commitment to alleviating the suffering of citizens.
He highlighted the devastating impact of the dry spell on farmers, particularly women, who lost key crops such as millet and maize, and said the relief package is essential to help them recover.
The GHS1,000 cash relief is part of the broader GHS8 billion package aimed at mitigating the effects of the dry spell. While the government maintains that the initiative is focused on supporting struggling farmers, the Minority views it as politically motivated, warning that it could worsen the country’s economic challenges