Story By: Juliet Akosua Danquah
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has expressed disappointment with the 2026 Budget, saying it fails to match its ambitious goals for agricultural transformation with sufficient investment. Despite acknowledging improvements over previous years, the association says the allocated 2.18% of total government expenditure to agriculture is woefully inadequate, falling far short of the 10% Maputo Declaration target.
PFAG had submitted proposals calling for increased investments in key areas, including irrigation, agricultural infrastructure, and policies to promote local food consumption. However, the budget’s initiatives, such as funding for agricultural roads and the National Food Buffer Stock Company, are deemed insufficient to address the sector’s deep-seated challenges.
The association points out that while the budget introduces some positive measures, such as support for agro-industrial value chains and irrigation projects, it neglects critical areas like pastoral development and tax waivers for agricultural inputs. PFAG is also concerned about the slow pace of implementation and lack of accountability mechanisms.
Despite these shortcomings, Ghana’s agricultural sector has shown signs of growth, with a 6.3% GDP growth rate in the first half of the year and a drop in food inflation from 27.8% to 9.5% in October. However, PFAG warns that without increased investment and commitment, the sector will struggle to overcome challenges like climate change, illegal mining, and pests, which threaten the cocoa industry and food security.
PFAG is urging the government to strengthen resource allocation, establish clear timelines for projects, and implement policies to support farmers and promote local food consumption.
