The Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Limited, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, has expressed concerns over the insufficient budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector in Ghana’s 2025 national budget.
Speaking at the 2025 Budget Digest, organized by PwC in Accra, Mr. Acquaye criticized the government’s allocation, stating that it falls far short of what is needed to drive economic transformation.
Drastic Decline in Agriculture Budget
Mr. Acquaye pointed out that out of the GH¢279 billion total budget, only GH¢1.5 billion—a mere 0.54%—has been earmarked for agriculture. This represents a sharp drop from the 2.2% allocation in 2024.
"The budget allocation to agriculture this year is highly insufficient. If we see a decline in the government’s own budget allocation to agriculture—not donor funds—then we are definitely going to face challenges," he warned.
Call for a “Big Push for Agriculture”
While acknowledging the government’s introduction of the GH¢13.8 billion Big Push initiative, Mr. Acquaye questioned the lack of transparency regarding how much would go specifically toward agriculture.
He advocated for a dedicated “Big Push for Agriculture”, emphasizing the need for large-scale investment in irrigation, post-harvest systems, and agricultural infrastructure.
Infrastructure and Institutional Support Needed
Mr. Acquaye further stressed the importance of agricultural infrastructure, arguing that institutions like the Ghana Exim Bank, GIRSAL, and the Development Bank of Ghana support agribusiness but do not focus on large-scale infrastructure projects such as:
• Irrigation systems
• Warehousing facilities
• Road networks for farm accessibility
He highlighted the absence of a dedicated agricultural development fund, similar to how GETFund supports education and COCOBOD funds cocoa-related initiatives.
Climate Change and Food Security Risks
Addressing climate change, Mr. Acquaye warned that farmers in northern Ghana are particularly vulnerable due to their single production season. He noted that in 2023, delayed rainfall resulted in over 90% crop losses in some areas, leaving farmers unable to replant until the following year.
Attracting Young People into Agriculture
To secure the sector’s future, he stressed the need for “agri-enablers” that would make agriculture attractive to young people. While Ghana has introduced free tuition for first-year tertiary students, he argued that there must also be investment in job creation and opportunities for skilled graduates in agriculture.
A Call for Budget Reprioritization
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Acquaye urged the government to reconsider its budget priorities. He emphasized that without significant investment in agricultural infrastructure and enablers, Ghana’s economic transformation will remain incomplete.