Ghana's three Northern Regions, which are tagged the major food basket of the country and generate an estimated 45% of total agricultural produce, are undergoing serious natural disasters which are greatly affecting the agricultural sector in all spheres.
After experiencing over six months of drought this year, farms were unable to yield the desired returns. However, the late arrival of the rains, which also resulted in floods, has submerged the replanted crops, destroying them completely. The opening of the Bagri Dam in neighbouring Burkina Faso worsened the situation as the White and Black Volta overflowed their banks, destroying nearby farms and communities.
According to experts, about 69% of leguminous and cereal farms, among others, were completely destroyed while an uncountable number of animals were killed. Some unscrupulous persons have also taken undue advantage of the situation by looting property and driving herds of cattle belonging to residents into neighbouring Burkina Faso.
In addition, thousands of houses and other valuables have also been destroyed. Many roads are inaccessible.
Ghanaian Chronicle