President John Mahama has directed Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture to distribute fertilisers to farmers free of charge this year in response to the heavy losses many producers suffered during the 2025 food glut. The announcement was made during a sod-cutting ceremony for a new Farmer Service Centre in the Afram Plains South Constituency, part of a broader government effort to strengthen agricultural production and support rural livelihoods. The decision reflects a temporary policy shift aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers who were hit hard by last year’s market disruptions.
According to President Mahama, the move was prompted by the challenges farmers faced in 2025, when an oversupply of food crops across several parts of the country caused farmgate prices to fall sharply. The glut affected a wide range of produce, including cereals, grains, and vegetables, as supply significantly exceeded market demand. As a result, many farmers, especially smallholders, experienced reduced earnings, while others were left with unsold produce or had to sell at very low prices, pushing many into financial losses.
Traditionally, fertiliser distribution in Ghana has operated through a subsidy programme, allowing farmers to purchase inputs at reduced prices to support productivity. This year’s decision to provide fertilisers free of charge represents a significant but temporary adjustment designed to help farmers recover from the economic impact of the 2025 glut. By removing input costs for this planting season, the government aims to cushion producers and sustain agricultural output despite the setbacks they faced last year.
The Afram Plains, one of Ghana’s key food-producing regions, was among the areas most affected by the food glut, underlining persistent challenges in the agricultural sector such as price volatility, weak market absorption, and limited post-harvest support. These structural issues continue to expose farmers to income instability even when production is high, making policy interventions increasingly important to protect livelihoods and maintain confidence in farming.
Alongside the fertiliser support, the government is also investing in new Farmer Service Centres, including the one being built in Afram Plains South. These centres are expected to improve farmers’ access to agricultural inputs, extension services, and other essential support mechanisms that can help boost productivity and strengthen the sector over the longer term. Together, the free fertiliser programme and the new service infrastructure signal a broader effort to respond to recent agricultural challenges while improving resilience in Ghana’s farming communities.
