Ghana's President Mahama Launches Free Fertiliser Plan for Struggling Farmers
President John Dramani Mahama has announced free fertiliser distribution for Ghanaian farmers in 2023. The decision comes after many struggled with heavy losses during last year's food glut. The move marks a shift from the usual subsidised pricing system for imported fertilisers.
The announcement was made at a sod-cutting ceremony for a new Farmer Service Centre in the Afram Plains South Constituency. There, the president outlined plans to support smallholder farmers and improve agricultural output.
The 2022 food glut caused a steep decline in farm gate prices for cereals, grains, vegetables, and other staples. Many growers faced unsold produce, wasted crops, and financial strain as a result. The government's new initiative aims to ease their recovery. By providing fertilisers at no cost, officials hope to boost productivity and strengthen food security nationwide. The policy forms part of broader efforts to stabilise farming incomes and reduce future market instability.
The free fertiliser programme will replace the previous subsidised model. Farmers affected by last year's oversupply crisis will receive direct support. Authorities expect the measure to increase yields and help stabilise food production across Ghana.
