By Samuel SAM
World Vision Ghana (WVG) has committed US$8million to assist farmers and vulnerable households impacted by the 2024 drought.
The support package, which includes cash transfers, food supplies and essential relief items, is expected to benefit over 324,000 people, including children, across the hardest-hit regions.
The drought has severely affected more than four million households, leading to significant post-harvest losses of crops such as maize, millet and beans—key sources of food, nutrition and income for farmers.
WVG will implement the relief programme across 13 of its operational areas, including East Gonja, West Gonja, Kpandai, Bulsa South, Bawku West, Wa West, Wa East, Bodi, Krachi-Nchumburu, Krachi West, Zabzugu, Kassena Nankana West and Garu. These areas span the Northern, Upper West, Upper East, Western North, Volta, Oti and Savannah Regions.
Speaking to the B&FT, WVG’s Manager for Humanitarian, Emergency and Relief Affairs, Samuel Gmalu, said the drought had severely affected farming communities, requiring urgent national-level intervention. He expressed concern for the welfare of affected farmers, stating that many have lost their crops and livelihoods, leaving them unable to meet basic needs such as food, healthcare and education.
“This drought highlights the vulnerability of agricultural communities to climate change and underscores the need for a national disaster response strategy,” Mr. Gmalu noted. He recalled similar challenges in previous years, including the Volta Basin flooding disaster, stressing the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience-building efforts.
WVG has a long history of providing emergency relief, promoting justice and implementing sustainable development programmes in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, child protection and water and sanitation (WASH).
The organisation works closely with local communities, churches and government agencies to support the most vulnerable groups, including female-headed households, orphans, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
“We are committed to helping these farmers and vulnerable families recover and build resilience,” Mr. Gmalu assured.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture in Tamale has called for a comprehensive national disaster policy to harmonise response efforts and ensure effective support for disaster victims, particularly women and children.
