A major funding crisis at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) is raising serious concerns about Ghana’s food security outlook, with the ministry revealing that it has received only 12.4% of its approved 2026 budget at a time when farmers across southern Ghana are in the middle of the critical planting season.

The revelation comes as rains have begun across much of southern Ghana, marking the peak farming period between March and July when thousands of farmers are expected to plant maize, rice, vegetables and other staple crops that feed the nation.

The delays in releasing funds during this crucial period could undermine crop production, reduce yields, increase food prices and ultimately threaten the country’s food security.

The situation has become even more concerning because the funds are intended to finance critical interventions, including the distribution of fertilisers, certified seeds, agrochemicals, day-old chicks and other inputs required to support farmers and boost agricultural production.

MoFA challenges finance ministry figures

The funding concerns emerged after MoFA publicly disputed claims attributed to the Ministry of Finance suggesting that the agriculture sector had received approximately 85% of its approved budget allocation for 2026.

In a statement dated June 5, 2026, MoFA described figures circulating on social media and in a widely shared video as misleading and inconsistent with the actual financial position of the ministry.

According to MoFA, the reality on the ground paints a significantly different picture.

The ministry disclosed that as of May 29, 2026, it had received total releases of only GH¢244.3 million out of its approved budget of GH¢1.97 billion.

This represents just 12.4% of the ministry’s total approved allocation for the year.

The ministry stressed that the discrepancy between the publicly circulated figures and actual releases is substantial and has serious implications for ongoing agricultural programmes.

Critical programmes starved of funds

The funding shortfalls are affecting several key interventions that are central to government efforts to modernise agriculture, improve food production and support farmers.

One of the most worrying revelations relates to the Fertiliser and Certified Seeds Programme, which plays a vital role in helping farmers access improved inputs at affordable prices.

MoFA disclosed that only GH¢15.3 million had been released out of an approved budget of GH¢515.3 million.

This represents barely three per cent of the programme’s approved allocation.

Agriculture analysts describe the figure as alarming, particularly because fertilisers and certified seeds are among the most important determinants of crop productivity.

Without adequate support, many farmers may be forced to reduce the acreage they cultivate, apply lower quantities of fertiliser, or rely on lower-quality seeds, all of which could negatively affect harvests later in the year.

Threat to food production

The timing of the funding shortfall could not be worse.

The major farming season in southern Ghana is already underway, and many farmers depend on government-supported interventions during this period.

Any delay in the procurement and distribution of agricultural inputs could result in missed planting windows, lower crop yields and reduced national food production.

The implications extend beyond the farm gate.

Reduced agricultural output could lead to shortages of staple foods, higher market prices, increased food inflation and greater pressure on household budgets.

For a country still working to stabilise inflation and improve economic conditions, disruptions to food production could undermine broader macroeconomic recovery efforts.

Poultry programme also under pressure

The ministry also highlighted challenges facing the Poultry Farm-to-Table Project, popularly known as “Nkoko Nketenkete.”

The initiative, which seeks to boost local poultry production and reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported chicken, received only GH¢67.4 million out of an approved allocation of GH¢245 million.

This represents approximately 27.5% of the programme’s budget.

The funding constraints could slow efforts to expand domestic poultry production, support poultry farmers and create jobs across the poultry value chain.

Ghana spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually importing poultry products, making local production programmes critical to reducing the country’s food import bill.

National Food Buffer Stock left without funding

Perhaps the most striking revelation in MoFA’s statement concerns the National Food Buffer Stock Company.

The ministry disclosed that despite receiving an approved allocation of GH¢200 million, no funds had been released to the company as of the end of May.

No funds released to Food Buffer Stock Company

The National Food Buffer Stock Company plays a strategic role in purchasing grains from farmers, maintaining emergency food reserves and stabilising food prices.

The absence of funding raises concerns about the country’s preparedness to manage food shortages, market disruptions or supply shocks.

Without adequate buffer stock purchases, farmers may struggle to find reliable markets for their produce while consumers could face greater price volatility.

Farmers’ service centres stalled

The funding crisis is also affecting long-term agricultural infrastructure development.

MoFA revealed that no funds had been released for the construction of 50 Farmers’ Service Centres despite an approved allocation of GH¢690 million.

The ministry noted that procurement processes and implementation activities for the project have effectively stalled because of the lack of funding.

The centres were expected to provide mechanisation services, technical support, equipment access and extension services to farmers across the country.

Their delay could slow efforts to modernise agriculture and improve productivity.

Operational challenges mount

Even the ministry’s routine operations are being affected.

For Goods and Services, MoFA reported that only GH¢5.3 million had been released out of an approved allocation of GH¢35.4 million for headquarters and agency operations.

The release represents approximately 15% of the approved budget.

Such constraints could affect field monitoring, extension services, technical support and other essential functions required to support farmers throughout the farming season.

Irrigation projects offer limited relief

The ministry acknowledged that some capital projects have received funding support.

According to MoFA, irrigation-related interventions have benefited from releases, while total capital expenditure releases stood at GH¢150.3 million by the end of May.

However, sector analysts argue that the funding received for irrigation projects is insufficient to offset the broader financing gaps affecting key agricultural programmes.

Implications for national food security

The implications of the funding shortfall extend far beyond ministry accounts.

Agriculture remains one of Ghana’s largest employers and the foundation of the country’s food supply system.

When farmers lack access to fertilisers, seeds, poultry inputs and extension services, productivity suffers.

When productivity declines, food supplies tighten. When supplies tighten, prices rise.

The result is increased food inflation, reduced household purchasing power and greater vulnerability among low-income families.

In the worst-case scenario, prolonged funding constraints could weaken Ghana’s ability to achieve food self-sufficiency and increase dependence on imported food products at a time of global supply uncertainties.

Growing debate over government priorities

The MoFA clarification comes amid growing public debate about government spending priorities and the allocation of resources to productive sectors of the economy.

The ministry insists that an accurate understanding of budget releases is essential for assessing both progress and challenges within the agricultural sector.

As farmers continue planting across southern Ghana, many stakeholders believe urgent action is required to release the remaining funds needed to support agricultural production.

For many observers, the issue is no longer simply about budget execution.

It is about protecting the country’s food supply, safeguarding farmer livelihoods and ensuring that Ghana does not face avoidable food shortages in the months ahead.

With the farming season already underway, time is rapidly running out.