Agriculture sector stakeholders are demanding that government allocate at least 10% of the 2027 national budget to the sector, arguing that persistent underfunding has constrained efforts to improve food security and increase agricultural production.
The demand comes ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
The Executive Director of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Bismark Nortey, says government must honour its commitment under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which calls on African Union member states to allocate at least 10% of their national budgets to agriculture.
Speaking to Citi Business News, Mr Nortey said Ghana has been a signatory to the programme since 2003 but has yet to consistently meet the 10% allocation target.
“We have, you know, Ghana is a signatory to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which mandates all member states that we should allocate at least 10% of the national budget to the agricultural sector.”
“The minimum that we expect Ghana to do is the 10%. For us, it is non-negotiable.”
He made the appeal during the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) 2027 Budget Inputs Engagement, where he presented the association’s proposals for improving agricultural productivity and supporting smallholder farmers.
PFAG estimates that agriculture received approximately 2% of total national expenditure in 2025, increasing slightly to 2.18% in 2026.
In the 2026 Budget, agriculture received an estimated GH¢13.9 billion, representing an increase of GH¢1.5 billion over the previous year’s allocation.
The association argues that these allocations fall considerably short of the 10% benchmark associated with Ghana’s commitments under CAADP.
PFAG is particularly concerned about the financing of government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which is intended to improve food production and strengthen agricultural value chains.
On irrigation, the association wants at least 50% of resources under the Big Push programme directed towards the Irrigation for Wealth initiative.
Mr Nortey has also called on government to make agriculture a major beneficiary of its New Economy Agenda, arguing that the sector has the potential to drive economic transformation, create employment and increase Ghana’s domestic food production.
He warned that if agriculture does not get at least 50% of the funding under that new economy agenda, it will be dead on arrival.
PFAG says inadequate investment continues to threaten food security, farmer incomes and the country’s agricultural development.
The association says increased investment is necessary to support farmers, create jobs, and address persistent challenges facing the sector.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa
