Grain Export Ban: Military Deployed to Intimidate Voters- MP

The Member of Parliament for Builsa North Constituency, James Agalga has alleged that military officers have been deployed to intimidate voters ahead of the general elections under the guise of enforcing the ban on the export of grains.

The Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament made the allegation during a press conference on August 30, 2024.

According to him, it could be the only justifiable reason behind the prompt announcement and immediate implementation of the ban by the government.

“If they have no ulterior motives, then they ought to have given us timelines. The fact that there are no timelines gives us reason to suspect that they only used the crisis, related to the drought up north and the potential for us to have some food security challenges, to deploy the military to intimidate voters,” he is quoted to have said by CNR.

“Otherwise, there should be timelines. We further backed our assertions with what happened in the roundup of the 2020 elections…So our suspicions are justifiable.”

Ban
At a press conference on Monday, August 27, 2024, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon Bryan Acheampong announced an indefinite ban on the export of grains.

The ban covers grains including maize, rice, and soya beans.

The Minister said it is a proactive measure against anticipated food shortage in the country due to drought in the northern part of the country which has since impacted production.

The ban is expected to be in force until the situation normalizes.

Meanwhile, the Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul disclosed military personnel will be deployed to enforce the ban.