Agric Committee Chairman Defends GH¢1.5 Billion Budget for Agriculture Amidst Criticism
Accra, Ghana – March 19, 2025 – The Chairman of Parliament’s Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Godfred Seidu Jasaw, has defended the GH¢1.5 billion allocation to the agricultural sector in the 2025 national budget, arguing that it presents strategic investment opportunities despite concerns over its adequacy.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, the Wa East MP acknowledged that the allocation appears lower than previous years but emphasized that the government’s priority should be on building infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability and growth in the sector.
Concerns Over Insufficient Funding
While Jasaw urged public engagement and efficient management of resources, some industry stakeholders remain concerned about the funding shortfall.
The Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Impact Limited, Daniel Fahene Acquaye, argued that GH¢1.5 billion is insufficient given the sector’s pressing needs. He stressed the importance of increased investments in:
- Productivity enhancement
- Mechanization
- Irrigation
- Food security initiatives
Acquaye warned that without adequate funding, Ghana’s agricultural sector may struggle to make substantial progress.
Strategic Investment Over Budget Size
In response, Jasaw insisted that the impact of the allocated funds matters more than the total amount. He advocated for strategic investments and private sector partnerships to maximize returns.
“There is a limited resource envelope that the Minister of Finance can allocate to all competing sectors. The GH¢1.5 billion from the Government of Ghana (GoG) appears smaller compared to the 2024 budget, but upon analysis, this allocation is likely to yield better value,” Jasaw stated.
He explained that in the 2024 budget, GH¢700 million was allocated to the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative, while the remainder primarily covered compensation costs. The current budget, however, aims to prioritize infrastructure development to unlock greater opportunities for the sector.
Way Forward: Maximizing Agricultural Investments
Despite acknowledging that the allocation is relatively low, Jasaw emphasized the need for efficient resource utilization and a clear investment strategy to attract investors and ensure agricultural transformation.
“What we need to focus on is how the Minister and the managers of the sector can leverage goodwill, attract investors, and define priorities in agricultural infrastructure,” he concluded.
The debate over agricultural funding highlights the challenges and opportunities facing Ghana’s agribusiness sector, as stakeholders push for sustainable policies to drive food security and economic growth.
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