News
Erratic rainfall affecting UER farmers
Erratic rainfall has is making farmers switch to growing crops that take shorter time to harvest
Farmers living along the White Volta basin at Gentiga Number 1 and 2 in the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region are frantically battling to sustain their farms, the only source of their livelihood.
This is due to the effects of erratic rainfall patterns and the dryness of the only water source for their farming and household activity, leading to food insecurity in the area.
Osman Adam, a 26-year-old farmer, who is among hundreds of small-scale farmers who depend on rainfall to start this year’s farming, is stranded between taking the risk to sow his crops or not.
He said unpredictable weather patterns in rainfall were causing havoc for many of the farmers in the area, as sowing and harvesting periods were severely affected.
Mr. Adam said other farmers have abandoned plans to cultivate their lands because of the same challenges they faced in previous years, resulting in poor harvest.
“Changing rain and weather patterns have led the crops to be sown and harvested late, which often results in crop failure, undermining farm yields, reducing food availability, and lowering income,” he added.
As you can see, the White Volta basin, the only source of water we relied heavily on for dry season farming as well as their household activity, has dried up, leaving the crops stunted and making life unbearable.
Hawa Mammah, a 71-year-old farmer and mother of seven children, said she had never experienced such weather change since she began to practice subsistence farming on her one acre of land.
She said previously, at this time of the season, they used to plant and harvest maize, pepper, millet, and sorghum, “but now the rains are coming no more, and this is causing a lot of hunger.”
“Now, it is extremely dry, and hunger will wipe all of us out if it continues like this,” she said.
She also said that the situation had discouraged the youth from going into farming. “Additionally, I have seen some old farmers give up planting crops because it is not worth the expense.”
Alhaji Zakaria Fuseini, the Upper East Regional Director of Agriculture, confirmed the situation, saying that for the past years, farmers in the region had been recording low yields due to changes in the rainfall patterns.
“We keep receiving complaints from farmers about drought and delays in rainfall, which are affecting their farming as well as livelihoods,” he said.
He added that rainfall was a huge contributor to farming in the northern part of the country, especially for small-scale farmers, who solely relied on it for their activities.
Alhaji Fuseini said erratic rains have pushed farmers to switch to growing crops that take shorter time to harvest.
He said because of lack of awareness about climate change, many farmers have not yet shifted to alternative crops on a large scale.
Alhaji Fuiseni said “the Agric Department is doing its best to educate the farmers about climate change as well as introduce climate-smart seeds that can withstand the climate conditions.”
He, therefore, called on farmers to change their traditional way of farming and rely on the education and improved climate-smart seed introduced by the Agriculture Department.
From Geoffrey Buta, Gentiga. Upper East Region.
President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, reaffirming the strong ties and shared values that continue to define relations between Ghana and South Korea.
During the discussions, President Mahama highlighted the historic connection between the two nations, noting their common commitment to democracy, human rights, and a shared historical experience.
He emphasised the opportunities for deeper cooperation, stating that Ghana’s rich natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological expertise and innovation, present a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
The President also underscored Ghana’s strategic role within the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra, positioning the country as a gateway for production and exports into a market of over 1.4 billion people.
President Lee Jae Myung, in his remarks, described Ghana as a country that holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, and agriculture.
He also reflected on the longstanding cultural and economic connection symbolised by the popular “Ghana” chocolate brand made from Ghanaian cocoa, which has been enjoyed in Korea for over five decades.
Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural engagement, and economic collaboration, with President Lee noting that President Mahama’s visit provides a timely opportunity to deepen practical cooperation that will directly benefit the citizens of both nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates that two Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries following a drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport earlier today, March 11, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Ghana has strongly condemned any act that endangers civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, March 11, such incidents pose serious risks to public safety and underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians and vital international transport hubs.
Ghana’s Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates has led a delegation of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the two injured Ghanaians in hospital.
Their injuries are not critical and are expected to fully recover soon.
“We therefore urge calm as we continue to extend consular assistance and collaborate closely with host authorities,” the statement added.
The Ministry has revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities as required.
The Government of Ghana expresses its concern over the incident and conveys its thoughts to the injured individuals and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaian citizens wherever they may be.
The Government of Ghana is actively supporting ongoing consultations within the UN to pass a resolution seeking a cessation of hostilities.
According to the Ministry they are offering the necessary leadership and coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and will provide updates on the matter as and when the need arises.
Government has reiterated its call for Nationals in the Gulf region to always exercise heightened vigilance and comply with directives from Ghanaian Embassies and local authorities.
