Ghana Defies Global Food Crisis Trends in 2025
By Alex Ababio
At a time when several African and global economies continue to struggle with food insecurity, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related agricultural shocks, Ghana has recorded no food shortages in 2025, according to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku. Even more striking, the country exceeded its agricultural production targets, reinforcing agriculture’s central role in stabilising the national economy and reducing food inflation.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s flagship current affairs programme, Ekosii Sen, Mr. Opoku praised Ghanaian farmers for what he described as an “exceptional performance” despite persistent challenges such as erratic rainfall patterns, rising input costs, post-harvest losses, and poor rural infrastructure.
“I believe we need to applaud Ghanaian farmers for their remarkable achievements despite the challenges they face. There have been no food shortages, and we maintain a buffer stock to ensure we are prepared for rainy days. Preliminary data indicate that we have exceeded our expectations,” Mr. Opoku stated.
Strong Production Figures Back Government Claims
Data from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), supported by provisional figures from the Statistics Research and Information Directorate (SRID), indicate increased yields across major staple crops including maize, rice, cassava, yam, plantain, and sorghum. The surge in output has been attributed to improved extension services, better seed varieties, and expanded farmer participation under government-backed agricultural programmes.
According to MoFA’s 2025 Crop Production Performance Review, cereal production recorded a notable year-on-year increase, while root and tuber crops exceeded national consumption thresholds. These gains ensured stable food availability across all regions, including traditionally food-deficit areas in the northern belt.
Agricultural economist Dr. Kwame Asante of the University of Ghana told this publication in an interview that Ghana’s performance in 2025 stands out within the sub-region.
“What Ghana has achieved in 2025 is significant. Many countries faced food stress due to climate variability, but Ghana’s diversified crop base and farmer resilience played a major role in avoiding shortages,” he said.
Buffer Stock System Shields Ghana from Market Shocks
One of the critical pillars underpinning Ghana’s food security success in 2025 is the strategic buffer stock system managed through the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO). The system enables the state to purchase excess produce during harvest seasons, stabilise prices, and release food during lean periods or emergencies.
Mr. Opoku emphasised that the buffer stock mechanism remains robust and responsive.
“There have been no food shortages, and we maintain a buffer stock to ensure we are prepared for rainy days,” the minister reiterated during the radio interview.
A 2025 policy brief by the FAO Regional Office for Africa identified Ghana’s buffer stock model as one of the more functional food reserve systems in West Africa, noting its role in cushioning vulnerable populations against price volatility.
Agriculture Drives Economic Growth and Lowers Food Inflation
Beyond food availability, the agriculture sector has emerged as a key driver of Ghana’s economic recovery and macroeconomic stability. According to the Bank of Ghana’s 2025 Monetary Policy Report, declining food prices played a decisive role in easing headline inflation pressures.
Mr. Opoku confirmed that agricultural productivity directly influenced the drop in food inflation and general food prices nationwide.
“Agriculture has been a key driver of growth in our economy. Food inflation has decreased, and overall food prices have gone down,” he said.
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) corroborates this position, reporting a consistent decline in food inflation across multiple quarters in 2025. Market surveys conducted in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi showed relative price stability for staple foods compared to previous years.
Farmers Commended as Unsung Heroes of Food Security
Central to the minister’s message was an emphatic recognition of Ghanaian farmers, whom he described as the backbone of the country’s food security architecture.
“We need to applaud Ghanaian farmers for their remarkable achievements despite the challenges they face,” Mr. Opoku stressed.
Farmer-based organisations such as the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG) and the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen (GNAFF) have also acknowledged improved engagement with agricultural authorities, though they continue to call for sustained investment in inputs, mechanisation, and storage.
PFAG President Benedict Ayeriguya, in an interview, noted:
“Farmers have worked extremely hard in 2025. While challenges remain, especially with fertiliser costs and climate stress, the overall output shows what is possible when farmers are supported.”
Rural Roads and Market Access Remain a Priority
Despite the positive production outcomes, the agriculture minister admitted that poor feeder roads and transportation bottlenecks continue to affect the sector. He disclosed that government is actively working to improve agricultural road networks to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access.
“We are also working on improving agricultural roads to facilitate easier transportation,” Mr. Opoku said.
A 2024–2025 World Bank rural infrastructure assessment identified feeder roads as a major constraint to agricultural competitiveness in Ghana, estimating that up to 30 per cent of post-harvest losses are linked to transportation challenges.
Civil engineer and infrastructure policy analyst Ing. Ama Boateng explained:
“Improving agricultural roads does not only help farmers; it directly impacts food prices, market efficiency, and rural incomes. It is one of the highest-return investments government can make.”
Climate Resilience and Farmer Adaptation
Climate variability remains a persistent risk, but Ghanaian farmers increasingly rely on adaptive practices such as staggered planting, drought-tolerant seed varieties, and mixed cropping systems. Reports from MoFA indicate growing collaboration with research institutions like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to scale climate-smart agriculture.
A CSIR agronomist, Dr. Josephine Mensah, observed:
“The 2025 farming season demonstrated that adaptation works. Farmers who adopted improved practices were better able to manage rainfall uncertainties.”
Policy Analysts Urge Sustained Investment
While praising the 2025 outcome, policy experts caution against complacency. Analysts argue that maintaining food security requires sustained funding, transparent data systems, and continued farmer support.
Development economist Dr. Ibrahim Sulemana warned:
“Exceeding production expectations is encouraging, but food security is not a one-year achievement. Continuous investment, especially in irrigation and storage, is critical.”
Conclusion: A Strong Signal for Ghana’s Food Future
Ghana’s declaration of no food shortages in 2025 marks a significant milestone in national food security and economic management. With production exceeding expectations, buffer stocks intact, food inflation declining, and farmers receiving overdue recognition, the agriculture sector has proven its strategic importance.
As Minister Eric Opoku emphasised, the results are a testament to farmer resilience, policy direction, and coordinated state support. However, experts agree that sustaining these gains will depend on addressing infrastructure gaps, climate risks, and market inefficiencies.
For now, Ghana’s 2025 agricultural performance offers a powerful counter-narrative to global food insecurity concerns—and a reminder that when farmers thrive, the nation eats.