A deepening scandal is shaking the Eastern Region as revelations emerge over the alleged diversion and illegal sale of government-supplied fertilizer meant for local farmers.
At the centre of the controversy is a close aide to the Eastern Regional Minister and several constituency executives of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), who are accused of profiteering off a programme designed to uplift smallholder farmers.
In a strongly worded press release dated April 8, 2025, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Officer for Yilo Krobo, Julius Afedi, alleged that “NDC executives in Yilo connived with Eastern Regional Minister’s representative to divert and sell fertilizer for farmers.”
Afedi claims that “they have made a lot of money from this fertilizer,” adding that “thousands of bags” were sold while the proceeds were pocketed by party insiders.
Background
The fertilizer at the heart of the scandal was part of the Planting for Food and Jobs Phase 2 initiative, launched by the previous Akufo-Addo-led administration.
The programme was designed to supply subsidised fertilizers to farmers across the country to improve agricultural productivity. Under the initiative, agricultural officers visited farms to verify locations, used Ghana Cards to register farmers, and ensured that each registered farmer received two bags of NPK and one bag of urea.
The Yilo Krobo Warehouse in New Somanya, constructed during the Nana Addo–Bawumia administration, served as a distribution centre for seven district assemblies: Upper Manya, Lower Manya, Asuogyaman, Yilo Krobo, Okere, Akwapim South, and Akwapim North.
However, the NPP alleges that soon after the NDC took office under President John Dramani Mahama, the warehouse was effectively taken hostage by local party operatives.
“The party members started looting the place immediately the NDC government… took over,” Afedi claimed. The fertilizer, meant for struggling farmers, is reportedly being sold on the open market by party loyalists.
Key Allegations
According to the press release, the situation worsened after the appointment of the new Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Sowatey.
“The Regional Minister has politicised the programme after her appointment by appointing one Tijani as the sole coordinator for the distribution in the Eastern Region,” Afedi stated.
He further claimed that “rules and regulations pertaining to the distribution… have been breached,” adding that the original farmer registration list is no longer being used, and agricultural officers have been sidelined.
“Tijani now gives directives as to how the distribution should be done, without recourse to the original registered farmers and the Agric officers,” the statement continued.
The NPP claims that under this new management, fertilizer allocations to Yilo Krobo have been dramatically reduced from an expected 850 bags to just 479, leaving over 1,500 farmers without the vital inputs.
Diversions
One of the serious claims is that fertilizer intended for registered farmers is being diverted under the pretext of “regional minister’s protocol.”
Julius Afedi said that “trucks are loaded… and diverted to these executives to sell,” explaining why many farmers “go to the centre but cannot get what is due them.”
While the alleged corruption has caused outrage among farmers, it has also ignited infighting within the local NDC ranks.
“Some of the constituency executives… who are against the sale are bent on fighting this matter,” the statement reveals. In one explosive meeting, officers reportedly “attempted to bribe their colleagues,” further stoking tension within the party.
A Call to Action
Afedi concluded his statement with a passionate appeal to the people of Yilo Krobo and surrounding districts:
“The good people… need to know what is happening at the warehouse at New Somanya… and they must rise up and fight this together.”
He added, “Corruption must be fought in whichever form or shape it takes.”
As of now, neither the Eastern Regional Minister nor her representative, Tijani, has publicly responded to the allegations.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the NDC’s national leadership have also remained silent, raising concerns over the potential scale of the scandal.
This development poses significant questions about transparency and accountability in government-backed agricultural programmes and whether the very systems designed to support rural livelihoods are being exploited for personal and political gain.
–BY Daniel Bampoe
