Farmers across Ghana are appealing to the government to urgently resolve what they describe as a growing “budget dispute” between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), which is delaying the release of funds for the national fertiliser subsidy programme.
According to the farmers, the prolonged delay is threatening food production and putting the current farming season at serious risk. They are calling for immediate and coordinated action between the two ministries to ensure that subsidised fertilisers are released without further delays.
The farming communities say the situation has become critical, warning that Ghana’s food security could be endangered if the issue is not resolved quickly.
They argue that administrative disagreements over funding are leaving thousands of farmers stranded at a crucial stage of the planting season.
Reports indicate that the two ministries are currently at odds over a funding package estimated at around GH¢1.6 billion meant to support the subsidy programme.
Farmers say this “bureaucratic deadlock” has left many of them without access to essential inputs such as fertilisers.
Some farmers claim they have not benefited from fertiliser subsidies since 2025, forcing them to either purchase commercial fertilisers at very high market prices or reduce their farming activities significantly.
“The farms are suffering. Without fertilizer, crops cannot grow well, and without good harvests, we cannot support our families,” said Kwaku Ntiamoah, a veteran farmer from Goaso.
Field reports from major farming areas such as Ejura, Nkoranza, Techiman, Goaso, Agogo and Sefwi Wiawso reveal growing frustration among farmers.
Many say they feel abandoned as production costs continue to rise while access to subsidised inputs remains uncertain.
Some farmers have already begun reducing the size of their farms, saying they can no longer afford the cost of full-scale production.
They warn that if the situation continues, it could discourage young people from entering agriculture, further weakening the sector in the long term.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has also joined the calls, urging the government to act swiftly.
The Association’s President, Douglas Annor, said many smallholder farmers are struggling to survive due to high fertiliser prices and low returns from their produce.
He noted that PFAG had formally engaged MoFA over the issue but had yet to receive a response, despite the urgency of the matter.
According to him, the delay in implementing the 2025/2026 subsidy programme is already affecting farming activities in several communities.
PFAG is therefore urging the government to intervene immediately to ensure fertilisers are made available, stressing that timely support is crucial for boosting productivity, protecting livelihoods, and sustaining Ghana’s agricultural sector.
