Political interference halted rice and maize distribution – Agric Ministry informs PAC

Proceedings of the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament of Ghana have revealed that the logistics company, Rans Logistics, was prevented from executing a major grain transportation contract after political actors obstructed access to warehouses containing the commodities.

Officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture revealed this during the Committee’s review of the Auditor-General’s Special Audit Report on outstanding government claims.

According to the Ministry, Rans Logistics was contracted to transport and distribute large quantities of rice and maize nationwide under an emergency government programme.

The Ministry’s Budget Director told the Committee that the commodities had already been inspected and secured at the supplier’s warehouse because the Ministry lacked sufficient storage capacity.

However, the contractor was later denied access to the warehouses to begin distribution.

Officials informed the Committee that the disruptions happened shortly after the elections, when individuals described as party actors took control of the warehouses, effectively preventing the logistics company from loading the commodities.

“We had inspected the rice at the supplier’s warehouse and taken possession of it,” the Ministry explained.

“But when the transporter went to lift the commodities, they were physically prevented by parties who were not part of the contract.”

The Ministry further revealed that efforts were made to restore access to the warehouses, including involving the military, but the disruptions prevented the contractor from continuing the transportation.

Officials clarified that the government had earlier released funds to facilitate the emergency distribution of the commodities. After reconciling the quantities transported, it became evident that the amount shipped did not match the full funds released.

The contractor therefore refunded GH¢19.1 million, representing the part of the transportation funds that could not be utilised due to the disruptions.

The Ministry emphasised that the situation was caused by external interference rather than any attempt by the contractor to retain government funds.

Members of the Public Accounts Committee stated that these revelations raise important questions about how political disruptions after the elections may have affected the implementation of government programmes.

The Committee is expected to proceed with its examination of the matter as part of its review of the Auditor-General’s report.