The government of Ghana has announced a plan to provide fertilizers free of charge to farmers during the 2026 agricultural season. The move marks a significant shift in agricultural support policy as global prices rise and supply risks intensify.
President John Dramani Mahama stated that the government will replace the existing subsidy program with full free distribution. According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture has already been instructed to ensure timely delivery, and the required volumes of fertilizers have been secured.
Authorities expect the policy to encourage farmers to expand planted areas and boost food production, particularly for key crops such as maize and rice. By removing input costs, the government aims to ease financial pressure on farmers and support higher yields.
Although Ghana is among the higher fertilizer users in sub-Saharan Africa, application rates remain below targets. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization shows usage reached 28.9 kg per hectare in 2023, still short of the 50 kg/ha target set under the Abuja Declaration.
The policy shift comes amid tightening global fertilizer markets. Escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly risks to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, have already driven prices sharply higher, with urea rising by over 40% in early March. For a country fully dependent on imports, meeting annual demand of over 400,000 tons will significantly increase fiscal pressure on the state.
