Eric Opoku Urges Finance Ministry to Reverse FSRP Withdrawal to Save GH"643 Million in Agricultural Commitments

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has formally petitioned the Ministry of Finance to reconsider Ghana’s withdrawal from the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP). The Minister warned that the decision, which was reportedly made without prior consultation with his ministry, places approximately GH₵643.87 million in contractual obligations at significant risk. These commitments, largely funded by the International Development Association (IDA) and the FS2030 Trust Fund, are essential for maintaining ongoing agricultural infrastructure and development projects across the country, including critical irrigation works.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) emphasized that pulling out of the regional program could result in substantial financial penalties, legal claims, and significant delays in the implementation of the Feed Ghana programme. Minister Opoku noted that as of the withdrawal request date, MoFA had already incurred specific obligations totaling GH₵643,867,633.36. He stressed that without an immediate review of the withdrawal or a secured path for alternative financing, the government faces the prospect of abandoned projects and increased costs that would undermine the long-term stability of the agricultural sector.

Despite these budgetary tensions, Minister Opoku continues to champion the sector's growth through strategic partnerships and successful state-led initiatives. In a recent meeting with the Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II, the Minister called for enhanced collaboration with traditional authorities to ensure government programs effectively reach local farming communities. He highlighted the significant impact of the “Feed Ghana” program, reporting that maize production reached 4.6 million tonnes in 2025—a figure that surpasses current national demand and marks a milestone in the government's effort to transform agriculture into a profitable venture for the youth.

Looking ahead, the Ministry has confirmed preparations for the 2026 National Farmers' Day celebration, scheduled for December 4 in Sunyani. Minister Opoku assured the public that all donations for the event would be transparently managed to benefit the nation’s farmers directly. He reiterated that the government remains focused on elevating farmers above the poverty line, noting that the National Best Farmer would receive a comprehensive reward package. The Ministry’s immediate priority remains resolving the FSRP funding dispute with Finance Minister Ato Forson to ensure that these broader agricultural goals are not derailed by fiscal pullbacks.