GHANA (21 May)
Planting of the first maize crop is nearly complete. Following an average cereal production in 2004, estimated at 1 930 000 tonnes, the overall food supply situation is expected to be satisfactory in 2005. However, inflation is on the rise, driven by a 50 percent increase in oil price in January, which may affect access to food in the country. Cocoa production in 2004/05 is not expected to reach the record level of 2003/04, due to less favourable weather conditions. However, the relatively high cocoa price on the international market should benefit the estimated 1.6 million peasant farmers who produce most of the country’s cocoa.
In addition to the large number of Ivorian and Liberian refugees who are living in the country, the crisis in Togo has prompted a new influx of an estimated 15 144 Togolose as of mid-June, according to the UNHCR. Most of the Togolese refugees are living with host families. WFP has launched an immediate Response Emergency Operation.