The Minority in Parliament has voiced strong opposition to the government’s decision to deploy the military to enforce a ban on the exportation of grains, following a dry spell in eight regions of the country.
The government announced on August 26, an immediate ban on the export of key grains, including maize, rice, and soybeans.
This measure is in response to a severe drought that has impacted agricultural production in eight regions. Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, stated that the ban aims to secure the country’s food supply.
During a press briefing on August 26, Mr Acheampong declared, “With immediate effect, the government is banning the export of grains, including maize, rice, and soybeans, until the situation normalizes.”
The government has subsequently stationed soldiers at the borders to ensure compliance.
But speaking at a press briefing in Parliament on Friday, August 30, James Agalga, the Minority Spokesperson on Defence and Interior, criticised the government’s actions, saying it is not the military’s responsibility to police the nation’s borders, as that should only be considered as a last resort.
He condemned the decision in the strongest terms, questioning the necessity and implications of involving the military in what he believes should be the domain of immigration and customs officers.
“The Minority condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the decision by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government to deploy the military to border towns across the country under the guise of enforcing the ban on grain exportation,” Mr Agalga stated.
He noted that the dry spell in the northern regions has prompted the government to take measures to safeguard food security.
However, he expressed suspicion over the deployment of the military, emphasizing that there is no evidence to suggest that the Immigration and Customs services are incapable of managing the situation.
Mr Agalga argued that the statutory responsibility of managing and patrolling the country’s borders lies with the Immigration Service, supported by the Customs Service.
He questioned the rationale behind the military’s involvement, suggesting that the government should consider the costs associated with such deployment, which could potentially exceed the value of the grains being protected.
He also recalled the military’s controversial deployment during the 2020 presidential and parliamentary elections, particularly in the Volta and Oti regions, which many believed was an attempt to intimidate voters under the pretext of addressing a supposed secessionist threat.
He implied that the current deployment might be another politically motivated strategy.
The Minority also cast doubt on the motivations of the Minister for Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, who announced the border closure.
Mr Agalga criticised Acheampong’s previous statements, which have been widely condemned as inflammatory, suggesting that the minister’s involvement raises further concerns about the true intentions behind the military deployment.
