MOFA fires back at finance ministry over GH¢1.6bn budget claim

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has publicly challenged claims by the Ministry of Finance that it released GH¢1.6 billion, representing 85% of its 2026 budget allocation. According to MOFA, the figures presented by Finance do not align with the official budget execution documents.

MOFA pointed out that while the Ministry of Finance issued a Commitment Authorization on 15th February 2026, this was followed just four days later by the 2026 First and Second Quarter Budget Allotment Letter. This letter clearly stated that MOFA’s total expenditure for the first half of the year should not exceed GH¢910 million.

Further scrutiny of the allotment schedule reveals that actual spending from January to June 2026 was limited to approximately GH¢453 million. This ceiling covered all expenses, including staff salaries, contracts, and operational costs. MOFA stressed that these figures are far below the GH¢1.6 billion reportedly released.

The Ministry also provided details on allocations to key agricultural initiatives, highlighting the limited funds available: GH¢172.5 million for Farmer Service Centres, GH¢36.7 million for the Nkokonkitinkiti Programme, GH¢77.3 million for Fertiliser and Certified Seeds, GH¢4.5 million for the Feed Ghana Programme, GH¢30 million for the National Food Buffer Stock Company, and GH¢26.25 million for irrigation infrastructure.

Since the release of the allotment letter, MOFA said it has not received any communication authorizing additional expenditures that would justify the Finance Ministry’s GH¢1.6 billion claim.

“If the Ministry of Finance officially capped our spending through its allotment system, where exactly is this figure coming from?” the Ministry asked.

“Public finances are governed by official allotments, cash releases, and actual budget availability—not by public relations narratives or propaganda,” the Ministry said in a press release signed by Samuel Huntor, Media Liaison Officer.

The Ministry concluded: “The facts speak for themselves. The Ghanaian people deserve honesty, especially in a sector as vital as agriculture and food security.”