The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) is urging the government to allocate at least 10% of the 2027 national budget to the agricultural sector. Executive Director Bismark Nortey stated that Ghana, as a signatory to the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) since 2003, has not consistently met the 10% allocation target. The CAADP mandates African Union member states to allocate at least 10% of their national budgets to agriculture.
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. However, these allocations fall considerably short of the 10% benchmark associated with Ghana’s commitments under CAADP.
The association is particularly concerned about the financing of the government’s Feed Ghana Programme, intended to improve food production and strengthen agricultural value chains. PFAG wants at least 50% of resources under the Big Push programme directed towards the Irrigation for Wealth initiative. This initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity and support smallholder farmers.
Nortey emphasized that agriculture must be a major beneficiary of the New Economy Agenda, as 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 the new economy agenda, it will be dead on arrival.
The association argues that inadequate investment continues to threaten food security, farmer incomes, and the country’s agricultural development. Increased investment is necessary to support farmers, create jobs, and address persistent challenges facing the sector. The demand for 10% budget allocation comes ahead of the presentation of the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
PFAG presented its proposals for improving agricultural productivity and supporting smallholder farmers during the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) 2027 Budget Inputs Engagement. The association's proposals aim to address the financing needs of the agricultural sector and ensure that the sector receives the necessary support to drive economic growth.
The government is expected to present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy soon. The PFAG's demand for 10% budget allocation for agriculture is expected to be a key consideration in the budget formulation process. The allocation will determine the level of investment in the agricultural sector and the potential for growth and development.
Key points
- The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana demands 10% of the 2027 budget for agriculture to address underfunding constraints.
- Ghana has not consistently met the 10% allocation target for agriculture since signing the CAADP in 2003.
- Inadequate investment in agriculture threatens food security, farmer incomes, and the country’s agricultural development.
