Mahama Restores Free Fertiliser Programme as Gov’t Allocates GH¢5.1bn to Boost Cocoa Sector in 2026
By: Iddrissu Jara
The free fertiliser programme for Ghana’s cocoa farmers – cancelled in 2018 by the former Akufo-Addo administration – is making a grand return, with government allocating a massive GH¢5.1 billion in the 2026 Budget to revive the initiative.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the measure in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, during the presentation of the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy. He described the intervention as a decisive investment to “re-boost cocoa production” and restore confidence in the sector.
According to him, the budget makes room for GH¢2.4 billion for CODAPEC (mass spraying at no cost to farmers) and GH¢2.7 billion for the free distribution of fertilisers – a combined package that fulfils one of the major campaign promises made by President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC prior to the 2024 elections.
A Promise Restored
The free fertiliser programme, which was actively implemented during Mahama’s first administration, was abruptly halted when the NPP assumed office in 2018. Instead of continuing the free inputs distribution, the new government began selling fertilisers, including stock already procured by the previous administration. This, farmers say, contributed significantly to declining yields and soaring production costs.
The situation worsened under the widespread impact of illegal mining (galamsey), which destroyed vast farmlands and further weakened output.
Upon returning to power in January 2025, the Mahama administration assured farmers that the programme would be reinstated. In August, Dr. Ato Forson confirmed that the new budget would cover free liquid and granular cocoa fertilisers, free insecticides, spraying machines, fungicides and flower inducers.
Sector Showing Signs of Recovery
Despite global cocoa price pressures, Ghana’s cocoa sector is showing early signs of rebound. Output climbed from 530,783 metric tonnes in 2023/2024 to 603,840 metric tonnes by the end of 2024/2025, buoyed by targeted government interventions.
To curb cross-border smuggling, government increased the cocoa farm-gate price from GH¢49,600/MT to GH¢58,000/MT for the 2025/2026 season – a move expected to reduce incentives for illicit trade.
Dr. Forson also reported significant financial clean-up efforts at COCOBOD. Outstanding debt dropped from GH¢32 billion in March 2025 to GH¢20.6 billion in September 2025, following settlements of US$130 million and GH¢3.6 billion.
As part of broader reforms, COCOBOD’s cocoa roads debt has been slashed from GH¢21 billion to GH¢6.9 billion, with additional legislative changes underway to amend PNDCL 81. The amendment seeks to place COCOBOD under the oversight of the Ministry of Finance rather than the Ministry of Food and Agriculture – aimed at strengthening fiscal risk management and accountability.
With the reinstatement of the free fertiliser policy now firmly backed by budgetary commitment, cocoa farmers across the country are gearing up for what many describe as a long-awaited lifeline, signalling a renewed push toward restoring Ghana’s global cocoa leadership.