Ghana’s recent decline in food inflation has been celebrated as a sign of economic stabilisation and improved access to food for households.
However, agricultural research scientist Professor Roger Kanton has warned that the country’s low food prices, particularly for maize, are placing farmers under severe financial strain. Speaking at a Roundtable Discussion on “John Mahama 2.0: A Thematic Assessment of Year One,” he argued that while consumers benefit from cheaper food, farmers are paying a heavy price.
Food inflation fell from 22.8 percent last year to 6.6 percent by October 2025. Although this development has eased pressure on household budgets, Prof Kanton stressed that the figures do not reflect the harsh realities faced by farmers who struggle to recover production costs and secure sustainable incomes.
Ghana’s Maize Prices Among the Lowest Globally
Prof Kanton described Ghana’s maize prices as among the cheapest on the global market, a situation he believes is unfair to local farmers. He cited producing areas such as Sissala, known for high quality maize, yet farmers in these regions are forced to sell at prices that barely cover basic expenses.
According to him, a 100 kilogram bag of maize initially sold for about GH¢220. Even with slight increases, farmers are often lucky to sell a bag for GH¢280, with prices frequently hovering between GH¢240 and GH¢250. These price levels, he said, undermine the economic viability of maize farming and discourage long term investment in the sector.
While maize prices remain low, the cost of agricultural inputs continues to climb. Prof Kanton highlighted fertiliser as one of the most pressing challenges facing farmers. He noted that quality fertiliser brands such as Yara currently sell for between GH¢500 and GH¢590 per bag.
This disparity creates a damaging imbalance in farm economics. In real terms, a farmer may need to sell nearly three bags of maize to afford just one bag of fertiliser. Prof Kanton described this situation as unsustainable and cautioned against celebrating falling food prices without considering their impact on producers.
He warned that if farmers are unable to afford inputs, productivity will eventually decline, threatening food availability and national food security in the long term.
The Need for Fair and Sustainable Pricing
Prof Kanton called for the adoption of an optimal pricing system that balances affordability for consumers with fair returns for farmers. He emphasised that food pricing should not be driven solely by consumer interests, but must also reflect the cost of production and the need to sustain rural livelihoods.
According to him, farming must be treated as a viable economic activity rather than a social obligation. Without fair prices, farmers will struggle to invest in better seeds, fertilisers, and technology, leading to stagnation across the agricultural value chain.
He further cautioned that persistently low prices risk driving young people away from farming, undermining efforts to modernise agriculture and reduce unemployment.
Despite his concerns over pricing, Prof Kanton acknowledged progress in government efforts to support the agricultural sector. He described President John Dramani Mahama’s agricultural promises as largely on track during the first year of his second administration.
He pointed to flagship programmes such as Feed Ghana and the 24 Hour Economy as clear indicators of commitment to agricultural transformation. These initiatives, he said, align with the four key agricultural priorities outlined during the campaign and have either commenced or advanced significantly.
Securing the Future of Ghana’s Agriculture
Prof Kanton identified the Nkukor Nkitinkiti programme, the establishment of farm banks, farmer service centres, and mechanisation centres as practical interventions aimed at boosting productivity. These initiatives are expected to improve access to finance, reduce post harvest losses, and enhance efficiency across the sector.
However, he stressed that these programmes must be supported by policies that address pricing challenges. Without fair market prices, productivity gains alone will not translate into improved farmer incomes.
In conclusion, Prof Kanton warned that Ghana’s status as one of the cheapest maize markets globally should not be a point of pride if it comes at the expense of farmers’ livelihoods. He urged policymakers to adopt a more balanced approach that protects both consumers and producers.
For Ghana to achieve sustainable agricultural growth, he argued, farming must be profitable as well as productive. Ensuring fair maize prices alongside effective government interventions will be crucial to securing food security and rural development in the years ahead.
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