By: Hannah Dadzie
Ghana has secured fertiliser supply from the Kingdom of Morocco, receiving a second consignment of 2,000 metric tons at a time of tightening global availability and rising prices.
The donation comes as disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges continue to strain the global fertiliser market, raising concerns about access for many developing economies.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Accra, Morocco’s Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil, said the support reflects her country’s commitment to strengthening agricultural resilience across Africa, particularly during periods of global uncertainty. She noted that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to help Ghana sustain productivity despite external shocks.
Ambassador Ouaadil commended Ghanaian authorities for prioritising agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and praised the role of OCP Ghana in facilitating the donation. She added that beyond fertiliser supply, Morocco is supporting Ghanaian farmers through training, financing, and technical partnerships, including the development of a national soil fertility map.
Receiving the consignment, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the gesture as timely, noting that fertiliser has become increasingly scarce and expensive on the international market. He cited ongoing global developments, including tensions affecting major shipping routes, as key drivers of shortages and rising costs.
“Fertiliser is no longer easy to come by, and prices continue to rise. This intervention from Morocco demonstrates the importance of dependable partners in times of global strain,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa noted that the donation highlights Ghana’s ability to leverage strategic bilateral relationships to cushion the impact of external economic pressures. He added that the fertiliser will support ongoing government efforts to stabilise food production and shield farmers from input cost shocks.
He further revealed that the partnership with Morocco is evolving beyond emergency support into long-term cooperation, including plans to build local fertiliser production capacity.
The latest consignment, which follows a similar donation last year, is expected to be distributed nationwide to support the upcoming farming season. Mr. Ablakwa said the fertiliser will contribute to the government’s Feed Ghana initiative, aimed at reducing reliance on food imports and strengthening agricultural resilience. Ghana currently spends about $3 billion annually on food imports.
He assured that the consignment will be distributed directly to farmers across the country, as was done with the first batch, adding that the 2,000 metric tons will be transported in approximately 50 truckloads.
Officials say the intervention will help mitigate the immediate impact of global supply constraints while Ghana continues to pursue policies to strengthen domestic agricultural resilience.
Mr. Ablakwa also disclosed that Ghana is leveraging its partnership with Morocco to reduce long-term dependency on imports, with plans underway to establish a local fertiliser manufacturing plant through ongoing technical cooperation.
He noted that the relationship has expanded beyond agriculture to include visa facilitation, tourism, and sports development, following high-level engagements between the two countries. He added that the visa waiver policy has significantly boosted travel and business exchanges between Ghana and Morocco.
“A friend in need is a friend indeed. At this time of global difficulty and anxiety about the availability of fertilisers, the Kingdom of Morocco is demonstrating its commitment by making these essential inputs available to Ghana.” Mr. Ablakwa said
The development underscores the growing importance of strategic alliances in ensuring access to critical resources in an increasingly uncertain global economy. Mr. Ablakwa described the donation as an example of “meaningful and impactful diplomacy” that delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation based on African solidarity, mutual benefit, and shared development goals.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is expected to begin immediate nationwide distribution of the fertiliser to ensure it reaches smallholder farmers in time for the planting season.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com