President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to distribute fertilisers free of charge to farmers this year, a departure from the usual subsidised pricing.

The announcement was made during a sod-cutting ceremony in the Afram Plains South Constituency to mark the start of construction of a new Farmer Service Centre, part of a wider initiative to support agricultural development across the country.

According to President Mahama, the decision responds to the financial losses suffered by farmers during last year’s food glut, which saw key crops such as cereals, grains, vegetables, and other staples far exceeding market demand.

“The oversupply caused farm gate prices to drop sharply, leaving many farmers, especially smallholders, with financial losses and, in some cases, unsold or wasted crops,” he said.

He explained that imported fertilisers, which are normally sold to farmers at subsidised prices, will instead be provided free of charge this year to help farmers recover from the challenges of the previous season.

“In the past year, due to a food glut, most farmers have been running at a loss. However, owing to the challenges they faced last year, I have instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to distribute them free of charge. Therefore, this year, the fertilisers will not be sold to you,” President Mahama emphasised.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to support smallholder farmers, boost agricultural productivity, and ensure food security across Ghana.