Ghana receives 10m euros from EU to combat food insecurity
The Government of Ghana has received 10 million euros from the European Union to support food security in the country following the adverse impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the economy.
The financial support is expected to complement government’s flagship ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ programme.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony of the facility, the European Union Deputy Head, Pieter Smidt Van Gelder, said the gesture is to support Ghana’s agric value chain in the wake of global uncertainties.
“I am glad to announce EU is allocating 10 million euros to Ghana and we will sign the cheque in due course. The funds will support families to grow crops so that they can generate income and make food readily available and affordable in local markets”.
“The action will also promote climate smart and ecological approaches in a number of agri-business including soya-beans, shea vegetables”, he added.
On his part, Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mohammed Hardi Tufeiru said the support is timely and will go a long way to support the Agric sector.
“The programe is consistent with the sector’s flagship ‘Planting for Food and Jobs Programmes’ and ‘Planting for Export and Rural Development. I have no doubt that it will go a long way to improve the livelihood of beneficial regions and the country at large. This 10-million-euro pledge by the EU has therefore come at an opportune time to support the most vulnerable populations to cope with the ramification of the Russia invasion of Ukraine and the resultant impact on food security”.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of government, a Deputy Minister of Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, commended the EU for the gesture and stated that it will help support the sustainable development of selected number of agri-business value chain.
“The support from the EU which is aimed at enhancing food production and the resilience of food systems is welcomed. The proposed action we note, will promote crops specific, agro ecological system and approaches as well as support the sustainable development of selected number of agri-business value chain, including shea, bee-keeping, soybeans and vegetable”.
