The government is racing against time to prevent massive post-harvest losses as the country grapples with an unprecedented glut of farm produce, with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture estimating that at least GH¢500 million will be needed to mop up the excess supply.
Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku, speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, November 10, 2025, warned that the current situation, if not swiftly managed, could deal a devastating blow to the agricultural sector by discouraging farmers from reinvesting in food production.
“We are not just moving into the farms to buy food for the sake of it. We must have a technical team on the ground to assess quantities and coordinate effectively. From the data we are gathering, about GH¢500 million will be required to clear the glut,” Mr. Opoku explained.
He revealed that his ministry is engaging the World Food Programme and other development partners to devise both immediate and long-term solutions to manage the oversupply and prevent recurrence.
“If we respond strategically, we can turn this challenge into an opportunity that boosts farmer confidence and makes agriculture more profitable. But failure to act will result in massive wastage — a national loss that could cripple investments in the sector,” the Minister cautioned.
Analysts say the glut reflects the growing productivity of local farmers under various agricultural initiatives, but also exposes weaknesses in storage, distribution, and market linkages. The Ministry’s proposed intervention is therefore seen as crucial to stabilising prices, safeguarding farmer incomes, and ensuring food security.
The government’s response, once implemented, is expected to include procurement, preservation, and redistribution of excess produce to vulnerable communities and institutional consumers, marking a significant test of Ghana’s agricultural management systems.
