Ghanaian farmers appeal for urgent release of fertilizer subsidy funds

Farmers across Ghana are appealing to the government to urgently release funds for the fertilizer subsidy program, warning that further delays could lead to severe financial hardship. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has been unable to supply the crucial subsidized fertilizers because expected funds from the Ministry of Finance have not been released, leaving thousands of farmers stranded at a critical stage of the farming season.

Many farmers report not benefiting from the subsidy program since 2025, forcing them to purchase fertilizers at high market prices or abandon their farms due to a lack of resources. This situation has negatively impacted crop production and reduced yields in many farming communities, sparking concerns about national food security and the long-term viability of the agricultural sector.

Visits to farming communities in Ejura, Nkoranza, Techiman, Goaso, and Sefwi Wiawso revealed growing frustration. Farmers expressed disappointment, expecting the government to prioritize agriculture and provide necessary support. Instead, they feel left to cope with rising production costs alone. The lack of affordable fertilizer has weakened crop growth, affected harvests, and resulted in significant financial losses for many.

Some farmers have been forced to reduce the size of their farms, unable to afford the quantity of fertilizer needed for previous production levels. There is a growing fear that if the situation persists, young people may lose interest in farming, posing a further threat to the country's agricultural future. Opanin Kwaku Ntiamoah, a farmer in Goaso with over 30 years of experience, described the current challenges as unprecedented, stating that the lack of affordable fertilizer is pushing many farmers to the brink. He lamented that farms are "hungry" and that without fertilizer, crops cannot grow well, leading to reduced incomes and uncertainty about the future.

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farms were hungry