The Government of Ghana, under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, has officially reintroduced the free cocoa fertiliser programme as part of renewed efforts to boost productivity and support cocoa farmers nationwide.
The announcement was made by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson in a Facebook post on Monday, ahead of the 2025/2026 cocoa crop season, which begins on August 7, 2025.
“Ladies and gentlemen, and to the cocoa farmer, I am pleased to announce that President Mahama’s administration has reintroduced the free cocoa fertiliser programme,” Dr. Forson stated.
According to the Minister, the intervention will provide cocoa farmers with a comprehensive input support package, include Free liquid and granular fertilisers, Free insecticides, Free fungicides, Free spraying machines and Free flower inducers.
The initiative is designed to improve cocoa yields and enhance farmer incomes, amid growing concerns over production levels and sustainability within the sector.
Dr. Forson urged farmers to use the inputs responsibly and exclusively for cocoa cultivation. “Government strongly advises cocoa farmers to apply these inputs solely for the purpose of improving cocoa yield and their income,” he noted.
The free fertiliser programme was previously halted in favor of a subsidized model, a move that drew criticism from many farmers and stakeholders. Its reintroduction has been welcomed by several farmer groups, who have long advocated for increased state support to tackle declining yields, pest infestations, and soil degradation.
The announcement follows closely on the heels of a major increase in the producer price of cocoa, further signaling the Mahama administration’s commitment to revitalizing Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
