The Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has challenged the government’s assertion that fertilizer and other farm inputs have been adequately supplied to farmers, arguing that delays in distribution are contributing to rising food prices and increasing economic pressures on Ghanaians.
Speaking during parliamentary debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, the former Information Minister said government officials had provided inconsistent information about the availability and distribution of fertilizer.
He insisted that many farmers across the country were still waiting to receive the inputs required for the current farming season.
According to Oppong Nkrumah, delays in providing essential agricultural materials could have serious consequences for food production and household expenses.
He argued that reduced access to fertilizer would affect crop yields, which could further worsen the rising prices of basic food items in local markets.
“Ask those who go to the market the price of just one tomato. You will see the value of what you are doing,” he told Parliament, highlighting the impact of food price increases on ordinary consumers.
The Ofoase-Ayirebi MP stressed that timely access to fertilizer and other farming support services is necessary to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and help stabilise prices.
He also criticised the government over delays in approving financial clearance for the recruitment of trained teachers and healthcare professionals.
According to him, thousands of qualified graduates remain unemployed despite existing vacancies and shortages within the education and health sectors.
Oppong Nkrumah said the Ministers responsible for Education and Health have admitted the need for additional personnel, but recruitment has been delayed because the necessary approvals have not been granted.
He accused the government of prioritising improvements in fiscal figures over addressing urgent staffing challenges in key public services.
In his view, delaying the employment of trained professionals is affecting the quality of service delivery and limiting opportunities for qualified Ghanaians.
The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to take immediate steps to ensure farmers receive the needed agricultural inputs on time and to fast-track the recruitment of teachers and health workers.
