The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) in Ghana has appealed to the Ministry of Finance to reconsider the country's decision to withdraw from the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP). This appeal comes after the Finance Ministry communicated Ghana's withdrawal to the World Bank on September 23, 2026, without prior consultation with MoFA. The programme aims to strengthen food systems, improve agricultural productivity, and enhance food security across West Africa.
MoFA has expressed concerns that Ghana's withdrawal from the programme could expose the government to significant contractual commitments amounting to GH¢643.87 million (approximately $643.87 million). These commitments are tied to ongoing agricultural infrastructure projects under the FSRP. The ministry has already entered into contractual obligations totalling GH¢643,867,633.36 as part of projects being implemented under the programme.
The contractual obligations include GH¢520.26 million financed through the International Development Association (IDA) and GH¢123.61 million from the FS2030 Trust Fund. Without an alternative source of financing, the government may be compelled to settle these existing commitments from other funds. This situation could lead to delays, increased costs, and potential contractual claims against the government.
The West Africa Food System Resilience Programme is designed to support the development of resilient food systems in West Africa. By withdrawing from the programme, Ghana risks undermining its own food security and agricultural productivity goals. The programme supports the implementation of projects that enhance food availability, access, and utilisation across the region.
Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku, in a letter to the Finance Minister, requested urgent reconsideration of the decision to withdraw from the FSRP. He emphasised the potential risks and complications associated with exiting the programme, including the impact on existing financial commitments and the potential for legal and contractual disputes.
MoFA's appeal to the Finance Ministry highlights the need for careful consideration of the implications of Ghana's withdrawal from the FSRP. The ministry is seeking an urgent review of the withdrawal decision to protect existing financial commitments and avoid potential legal and contractual complications. This development underscores the importance of inter-ministerial coordination in Ghana's economic and development planning.
The outcome of MoFA's appeal and the Finance Ministry's response will be closely watched, given the potential implications for Ghana's agricultural sector and food security. The country's participation in international programmes like the FSRP plays a critical role in supporting its development goals, particularly in the areas of agriculture and food security.
Key points
- - The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has appealed to the Finance Ministry to reconsider Ghana's withdrawal from the $643.87m West Africa Food System Resilience Programme. - Ghana's withdrawal could expose the government to contractual commitments of GH¢643.87 million. - The programme supports the development of resilient food systems, improves agricultural productivity, and enhances food security across West Africa.
