The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has signed an agreement with Omanbapa AgriTech Limited to establish an organic fertiliser plant in Ghana. This initiative aims to boost food production and reduce the nation’s reliance on synthetic fertilisers. The project represents an investment of approximately GHS 120 million, based on the current exchange rate of US$1 to GHS 12.
The agreement, signed in Accra on Monday, July 28, 2026, mandates the immediate start of the project. The facility will be located between the Ashanti and Ahafo regions. It will initially operate as a blending plant using imported raw materials. Within one to two years, it will transition into a full processing plant, utilising locally sourced agricultural waste.
This development aligns with Ghana's broader agricultural transformation agenda. The government seeks to protect soil health and improve food safety across the country. Reducing dependence on imported synthetic fertilisers also supports the national goal of achieving greater food self-sufficiency. This move could also help stabilise food prices for consumers.
Mr. Eric Opoku, Minister of Food and Agriculture, stated the project forms a key part of the government's strategy. He emphasised the gradual shift from inorganic to organic fertiliser use. The Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) has technically tested and certified the product for use in Ghana. Farmers who tested the product also reported positive results, providing both technical and practical evidence of its effectiveness.
The project will create additional income opportunities for Ghanaian farmers. Agricultural waste materials, including maize husks and other crop residues, will be purchased as raw materials for fertiliser production. This provides a new market for farmers' by-products. Mr. Opoku highlighted that this creates marketing opportunities for farmers beyond just the fertiliser itself.
Mr. Bernard Oduro Takyi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Omanbapa Group, detailed the project's three phases. These include procurement of inputs, blending operations, and full-scale manufacturing. The company plans to invest about US$10 million, equivalent to approximately GHS 120 million, in the project. This significant investment underscores the private sector's commitment to Ghana's agricultural development.
The initial blending phase is expected to produce between 20,000 and 30,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser annually. Full-scale production could reach about 60,000 metric tonnes. This local production will make organic fertiliser relatively cheaper than imported alternatives. It will also create employment opportunities for Ghanaians, contributing to job growth in rural areas.
Mr. Takyi added that using organic inputs will support efforts to reduce agricultural waste and lower carbon emissions. This also improves the competitiveness of Ghanaian agricultural exports, particularly cocoa. The agreement mandates the establishment of a technical committee to determine the plant's exact location and oversee its implementation. Mr. Opoku urged Omanbapa AgriTech Limited to translate commitments into visible action. The government remains ready to support private-sector investments that contribute to Ghana’s food security agenda.