FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - GHANA (19 June)
First rains in early March permitted planting of the first maize crop. Except in the extreme south, precipitation was generally well above average until early June when floods caused by heavy rains displaced more than 2 000 people in the capital, Accra, and in the second largest central city of Kumasi. Planting of coarse grains is underway in the north.
In early February, a joint FAO/WFP crop and food assessment mission visited northern Ghana where unusually dry weather conditions had affected crop production. The mission estimated the 2001 cereal production at 1.52 million tonnes, which was below average. However the overall food supply situation is close to normal as reduced cereal production in northern regions will be covered by adequate availability of other foodcrops, anticipated commercial imports and food aid already pledged.
The mission estimated total cereal import requirements in 2002 (January/December) at 461 200 tonnes including 89 000 tonnes of food aid. Worst affected areas and vulnerable groups will require food assistance estimated at about 5 000 tonnes to compensate for their reduced harvests.