The recent dengue fever outbreak in the Eastern and Central regions has taken a toll on local farmers, prompting the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) to call for compensation.
According to the Ghana Health Service, 36 cases were reported on July 17, impacting farmers in five districts: Birim Central, Birim North, Akyemansa, Birim South, and Achiase. MoFA is advocating for support to help these affected farmers recover from the economic and health challenges posed by the outbreak.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) believes that providing farming inputs and grants to farmers affected by the dengue fever outbreak will help them recover and contribute to regional and national food security. Hajia Habiba Yussufu, Eastern Regional Director of MoFA, made this appeal during the launch of the 2024 Eastern Commodity Satellite Market Fair in Koforidua, emphasizing the need for support to ensure a stable food supply.
“The dengue fever outbreak has far-reaching consequences, impacting not just the farmers in the affected districts, but all of us. When a farmer falls ill, their entire investment whether from purchased inputs or granted resources is put at risk. The farmer’s hard work and efforts are left unfinished, with their crops abandoned in the fields, highlighting the devastating ripple effects of this health issue on our food security and community.”
She highlighted that considering the precedent set during the COVID-19 pandemic, where farmers received free inputs to mitigate their challenges, it’s only fair that those affected by the dengue fever outbreak receive similar support. They deserve compensation and complimentary inputs to help them recover from their losses and get back on their feet.
