The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) has called on the government to allocate 10% of the 2026 budget to the agriculture sector. The Finance Minister is scheduled to present the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament on 13 November 2025.
Speaking to Agric Today ahead of the budget hearing, Acting Executive Director of PFAG, Mr. Bismark Owusu Nortey, emphasized the pivotal role agriculture plays in Ghana’s economy, describing it as the bedrock of economic recovery. He stressed the need for increased investment to strengthen the sector.
Mr. Nortey outlined that budget allocations should focus on capital infrastructure, including the construction of irrigation facilities, warehousing, farmer service centres, and roads to transform the sector. Specifically, he highlighted the importance of enhancing agriculture in northern Ghana through projects like the Pwalugu Dam, desilting and reconstruction of existing dams, and support for small- and medium-scale solar-powered boreholes and pumps.
To reduce dependency on imported equipment, he urged the government to support local manufacturing of mechanized tools such as power tillers, small planters, and harvesters, encouraging private sector participation in their development.
Addressing recent agricultural gluts, Mr. Nortey proposed the establishment of an Agriculture Investment Fund to mobilize resources for the sector and mitigate unanticipated shocks. He also recommended that the government use the budget to mandate state institutions to procure locally produced foods, supporting local farmers.
Finally, he called for increased funding for the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to enable the strategic acquisition of rice and grains, aiming to prevent future market disruptions and stabilize the food system.
