Gov’t Releases 85% of Agric Budget
The government has released GH¢1.677 billion to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, representing 85 per cent of the ministry’s approved 2026 budget for Goods and Services as well as Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), in a move aimed at accelerating agricultural transformation and strengthening food security.
The disclosure was made by Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, during the launch of Ghana’s National Pact for Agricultural Transformation, Food Security and Employment (AgriConnect Compact) in Accra.
The announcement comes amid concerns in some quarters over delays in budgetary releases to ministries, departments and agencies. According to the Deputy Finance Minister, the latest disbursement demonstrates government’s commitment to backing its agricultural agenda with substantial financial resources.
Mr. Ampem said the administration of President John Dramani Mahama views agriculture as a critical pillar of economic growth, job creation and food security, and is therefore prioritising investments across the entire agricultural value chain.
He explained that government’s strategy goes beyond increasing food production and focuses on modernising agriculture, improving productivity, supporting agribusiness development and enhancing resilience within the sector.
“I am pleased to confirm that we have released GH¢1.677 billion, representing 85% of the approved 2026 Budget for Goods and Services and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture,” he stated.
Providing a breakdown of the funds released, Mr. Ampem disclosed that GH¢581.4 million has been allocated for the establishment of 50 Farmer Service Centres across the country. The centres are expected to improve access to mechanisation services, modern farming equipment and technical support for farmers.
A further GH¢110 million has been released to support irrigation infrastructure projects aimed at promoting all-year-round farming and reducing dependence on rainfall.
The government has also disbursed GH¢515.3 million for the procurement and distribution of fertilisers and certified seeds to farmers as part of efforts to boost crop yields and increase food production.
In addition, GH¢244.9 million has been released for the Poultry Farm-to-Table Project, popularly known as Nkoko Nkitinkiti, which seeks to revitalise the poultry industry, reduce imports and create employment opportunities along the poultry value chain.
Another GH¢200 million has been allocated to the National Food Buffer Stock Company to strengthen storage, distribution and marketing systems for agricultural produce and help address post-harvest losses.
Mr. Ampem noted that the investments form part of broader efforts to transform Ghana’s agricultural sector into a major driver of economic growth while enhancing food security and improving livelihoods across the country.
