Ghana's government has released GHS 1.677 billion, representing 85% of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture's (MoFA) approved 2026 budget.
This substantial disbursement aims to accelerate food production, strengthen agro-industrialisation, and enhance food security. The funds will support critical interventions like mechanisation, irrigation, and the supply of essential agricultural inputs. This move reflects a strategic effort to transform Ghana's agricultural sector into a major economic driver.
This funding aligns with Ghana's broader economic agenda to reduce food imports. Ghana currently spends billions of dollars annually on imported food products that can be produced domestically. The government views agriculture as central to its economic transformation and job creation plans. This investment continues a trend of increased focus on food self-sufficiency and rural development.
Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, confirmed the release at the launch of the Ghana National Pact for Agriculture and Economic Transformation, Food Security and Employment (AGRICONNECT Compact). He stated, "I am pleased to confirm that we have released GHS 1.677 billion, representing 85 per cent of the approved 2026 Budget for Goods and Services and CAPEX for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture." Mr. Ampem reiterated the government's commitment to moving agriculture "from subsistence to scale, from production to productivity, and from farming to agribusiness."
The released funds are specifically allocated across several key areas. GHS 581.4 million will establish 50 Farmer Service Centres to boost mechanisation and productivity. Additionally, GHS 110 million will be invested in irrigation infrastructure projects, crucial for climate resilience. GHS 515.3 million is earmarked for supplying fertilisers and certified seeds to farmers. The popular Nkoko Nkitinkiti, or Poultry Farm-to-Table Project, receives GHS 244.9 million. Finally, GHS 200 million is for the National Food Buffer Stock Company to improve produce distribution and trading efficiency.
These interventions are part of a larger fiscal strategy to make agriculture a commercially viable sector. The government is aligning budgetary releases with priority value-chain projects. This ensures measurable output and aims to reduce import dependence and improve rural incomes. The focus has shifted from budget approvals on paper to execution, impact, and accountability.
The Ministry of Finance and MoFA are collaborating to strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems. This will ensure adherence to implementation timelines and performance targets. A new digital tracking system will monitor the disbursement and utilisation of agricultural funds. This system focuses particularly at the district level to enhance transparency and minimise leakages. These measures aim to ensure that the significant investment yields tangible results for farmers and the national economy.