Concern Grows in Karaga Over Politicisation of Distribution of Drought Relief Items to Farmers

A group of farmers from communities in the Karaga Municipality have petitioned the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) over fears that relief items intended for farmers, who last year were affected by dry spell, may be diverted along partisan lines.

The petition signed by Alhaji Abdul-Latif Abdul-Wahab, leader of the farmers, expressed serious concerns that drought relief items secured under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government could be unfairly distributed to National Democratic Congress (NDC) loyalists, rather than the genuinely affected farmers who were registered and are due to benefit from the intervention.

The farmers reminded the MCE that his office is a public trust and must uphold the principles of fairness and equity. “We are citizens and not spectators,” they emphasized, adding, “It is our strong belief that Hon. MCE will use his good office to ensure that the right persons are given the items.”

The farmers have demanded to know the status of the relief items, timeline and criteria for distribution. They also want assurance that the original list of registered beneficiaries will be respected.

“We urge your office to prioritize transparency and fairness in this process. Any failure to adhere to these principles could lead to community protests,” the letter warned.

Last year, Farmers in the Karaga area faced significant hardship following a prolonged dry spell that devastated crops and livestock. They had hoped the relief items, procured by the erstwhile NPP administration with support from the World Bank, would serve as a lifeline as they prepare to farm this year, but it appears a change in government has meant a change in priorities.

So far, the Municipal Assembly is yet to respond publicly to the concerns raised. However, tension appears to be mounting within the local farming communities, with calls for immediate action to prevent what some describe as a looming crisis of trust and social unrest.

Credit: Kumbundoo Iddrisu