The government of Ghana has allocated GH₵1.5 billion to enhance agricultural modernization and ensure food security under the 'Feed Ghana' initiative. This investment aims to increase local food production, minimize imports, and stabilize food prices, in line with national economic priorities.
Presenting the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson highlighted the government's commitment to food security amidst rising food inflation. "To address food inflation and strengthen local production, we are investing in agricultural expansion, irrigation, and mechanization," Dr. Forson stated while addressing Parliament.
The allocated funds will be directed towards expanding irrigation schemes to promote year-round farming, providing fertilizers and farm inputs at subsidized rates, and supporting mechanization and storage facilities to curb post-harvest losses. The government is also collaborating with farmers, agribusinesses, and key stakeholders to enhance the cultivation of staple crops such as rice, maize, and vegetables.
In addition, the allocation will facilitate access to credit for smallholder farmers, many of whom face financial constraints due to high interest rates. The government is also committed to supporting agro-processing industries to add value to raw materials before they enter the market.
Beyond agriculture, the 2025 budget outlines key funding allocations aimed at addressing economic challenges, advancing education and healthcare, and supporting vulnerable communities. Some of the major allocations include GH₵13.85 billion for The Big Push Programme, focused on large-scale infrastructure projects, and GH₵9.93 billion for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enhance healthcare access.
The budget also includes allocations for education, such as GH₵499.8 million for the No-Academic-Fee policy for first-year students in public tertiary institutions, and GH₵564.6 million for the provision of free curriculum-based textbooks for schools. Furthermore, GH₵1.788 billion has been allocated for the School Feeding Programme for children in public basic schools.
The government's efforts to mitigate economic difficulties, promote education and healthcare, and uplift vulnerable communities are underscored by these budgetary allocations. By prioritizing agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and employment creation, Ghana is positioning itself for sustained economic transformation and resilience.
The 'Feed Ghana' initiative is a significant step towards achieving food security and promoting economic growth in Ghana. As the country continues to face economic challenges, this investment in agriculture is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and the lives of its citizens.