Farmers across Ghana are demanding an urgent resolution to a GHS 1.6 billion funding dispute between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA). This disagreement is significantly delaying the release of funds for the national fertiliser subsidy programme. The prolonged delay threatens vital food production and places the entire farming season at serious risk.
Farmers report they have not received fertiliser subsidies since 2025. This forces them to purchase commercial fertilisers at much higher market prices. Many farmers are now cutting down the size of their farms due to the increased costs. The dispute impacts thousands of farmers at a crucial stage of the planting season across regions like Ejura and Goaso.
This funding deadlock comes when Ghana aims to strengthen its agricultural sector for economic growth and food self-sufficiency. The government's Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, introduced in 2017, relies heavily on timely fertiliser subsidies. Continual delays undermine confidence in these pivotal agricultural support programmes. Rising input costs generally squeeze farmer profitability and deter investment in the sector, a critical pillar of Ghana's economy contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Without these subsidies, domestic food prices could rise, impacting household budgets.
Kwaku Ntiamoah, a veteran farmer from Goaso, highlights the severe impact. He stated, “The farms are suffering. Without fertilizer, crops cannot grow well, and without good harvests, we cannot support our families.” The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has formally engaged MoFA regarding the issue. Douglas Annor, PFAG President, noted the urgent need for intervention, citing severe struggles for smallholder farmers. PFAG believes timely support is crucial for boosting productivity. It also protects livelihoods and sustains Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The current impasse could lead to a significant drop in crop yields for the ongoing farming season. This situation could further compromise Ghana's food security. Decision-makers in both ministries must quickly resolve their administrative disagreements. Failure to do so could result in higher food import bills and increased inflation. Such outcomes would add pressure on Ghana's already fragile economic recovery. Analysts will closely watch how quickly the government responds to these critical appeals. The agricultural sector's performance directly affects rural employment and national economic stability.