Accra (Greater Accra) 13 April '99

The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) says the overall food supply situation in Ghana is good following the harvest of the main crops. It would, however, need to import 500,000 tonnes of cereals, mostly wheat and rice, to supplement its requirement this year. According to FAO's publication on global food information received in Accra on Tuesday, seasonably dry conditions prevail in the country. It said aggregate 1998 cereal production was estimated at 1.78 million tonnes which is slightly above that of 1997. "Production has recovered in the extreme north, where crop output had been reduced in 1997. Roots and tubers production is estimated at 13.44 million tonnes which is well above average." FAO said about 30,000 Liberian refugees were receiving food assistance. It said civil strife, drought and hurricanes were hampering food production in many countries. Angola, Democratic republic of Congo and Somalia are countries where civil war has affected production while drought has pinned down output in Chile, Cuba and Jordan. FAO said serious concern mounts over deteriorating food situation in Somalia, for instance, where the search for food and water is increasing whereas renewed fighting has aggravated an already precarious situation. In West Africa, generally favourable conditions in Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Niger and Chad in 1998 resulted in a record crop estimated at 17 per cent higher than average, it said. FAO said improved security and favourable weather resulted in a good cereal harvest in Liberia, but in neighbouring Sierra Leone, the 1998 crop production was well below average and food supply remains critical in many areas.