Posted on August, 27, 2024 at 09:09 am
Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has assured Ghanaians that the Ghana Armed Forces are fully prepared to enforce government's ban on grain exports by deploying personnel along the country’s borders.
This move follows government's recent decision to prohibit the export of grains, including maize, rice, and soybean, in response to the ongoing dry spell affecting farmers across the nation.
According to Mr Nitiwul, there are both approved and unapproved routes, with about 80% to 90% of all exports passing through the approved ones assuring that many security personnel are already in place to ensure that no truckloads of grains leave Ghana.
Additionally, he stated that all security agencies will be mobilised to prevent the remaining 20% from slipping through the country through unapproved routes.
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“We want to assure you, and the nation, that the security agencies are immediately activating their network to ensure that the ban on cereals, which has been listed, is rigidly enforced so that nobody will take even a single grain out,” he stated.
He added that the enforcement of the grain export ban is seen as a critical measure to preserve domestic food supplies, especially given the threat of terrorist activities in neighbouring regions.
Mr Nitiwul explained that the ban will enable the security forces to strengthen border patrols, particularly in the northern part of the country, where these risks are more pronounced.
He also urged citizens to actively participate in maintaining security by reporting any suspicious activities related to grain smuggling.
“You are security people. So as long as you see something that has escaped the eagle eye of the security, please let us know,” he said.
“We are deploying all across the borders, particularly the northern side, and also to the east and the south. If for some reason there is some unapproved route or approved route, or somebody sees something that is going on that is not right, please let us know so that we can act appropriately. It’s for the good of all of us that we should not make our citizens suffer,” he added.
Source: My Joy Online