Smallholder farmers in Ghana have raised concerns over delays in the release of funds for the government’s fertiliser subsidy programme, warning that the situation is putting their livelihoods and the country’s food security at risk.
The President of the Peasant Farmers Association (PFA), Mr Douglas Annor, said the delays were placing significant pressure on farmers who were already struggling with rising production costs and low returns from their produce.
Mr Annor said the association had formally written to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to highlight the challenges but was yet to receive a response.
“We have formally written to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture regarding this critical issue, but we are yet to receive a response,” he said, urging authorities to speed up the release of subsidised inputs.
The farmers’ concerns stem from a funding delay between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, which oversees the distribution of subsidised fertiliser, and the Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for releasing the funds.
The delay has left many farmers without access to affordable fertiliser during a crucial period of the farming season.
Some farmers say they have not benefited from fertiliser subsidies since 2025, forcing many to either buy inputs at higher market prices or reduce the size of their farms.
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At Goaso in the Ahafo Region, a veteran farmer, Opanin Kwaku Ntiamoah, said the situation was affecting crop production and household incomes.
“The farms are hungry. Without fertiliser, the crops cannot grow well, and without good harvests, we cannot take care of our families,” he said.
Reports from farming communities including Ejura, Nkoranza, Techiman, Goaso and Sefwi Wiawso indicate growing frustration among farmers, with some reporting weaker crop growth and financial losses due to inadequate access to farm inputs.
Farmers also fear the challenges could discourage young people from entering agriculture, worsening concerns about the future of the sector.
The Peasant Farmers Association is calling on the government, particularly the Ministries of Finance and Food and Agriculture, to urgently resolve the funding delays and ensure fertiliser support reaches farmers to protect the current farming season.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
