The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has disputed claims by the Ministry of Finance that it has released GH¢1.6 billion, representing 85 percent of MoFA’s 2026 budget allocation.
According to MoFA, the figures cited by the Finance Ministry do not correspond with official budget execution documents issued by the same ministry.
The Ministry of Finance had earlier announced that it released GH¢1.677 billion to MoFA in 2026, describing the amount as 85 percent of the ministry’s approved budget for Goods and Services and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX).
This disclosure was made by the Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, during the launch of Ghana’s National Pact for Agricultural Transformation, Food Security and Employment (AgriConnect Compact) on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nyarko Ampem emphasized that the Mahama administration is backing its agricultural transformation agenda with significant financial commitments and targeted investments.
He noted that the government’s dedication to the agricultural sector is reflected in several flagship programmes being implemented under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the vision goes beyond increasing agricultural output to transforming the entire value chain, enhancing food security, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening economic growth.
To support this agenda, Mr. Darko indicated that substantial resources had already been disbursed to fund key interventions across the sector.
“I am pleased to confirm that we have released GH¢1.677 billion, representing 85 percent of the approved 2026 Budget for Goods and Services and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for the Ministry of Food and Agriculture,” he stated.
However, in a statement issued on Friday, June 5, Samuel Huntor, Media Liaison Officer at the Office of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, challenged the claim.
He revealed that on February 15, 2026, the Ministry of Finance issued a Commitment Authorization to MOFA. However, just four days later, on February 19, 2026, the ministry released the 2026 First and Second Quarter Budget Allotment Letter, which clearly stated that MOFA’s total expenditure for the first half of the year should not exceed GH¢910 million.
“The Ghanaian people deserve transparency, accuracy, and honesty in the management of public finances, particularly in a sector as critical as agriculture and food security.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, attached are the Commitment Authorization letters issued by the Ministry of Finance, together with the 2026 First and Second Quarter Budget Allotment Letter and the accompanying schedule, which clearly indicate that MOFA’s expenditure ceiling for the first half of 2026 was capped at GH¢910,000,000,” he said.
Below is the full statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STOP THE INFANTILE PROPAGANDA BEFORE IT EXPLODES
The attention of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) has been drawn to claims by the Ministry of Finance that it has released GH¢1.6 billion, representing 85% of MOFA’s 2026 budget allocation. These claims do not align with the official budget execution documents issued by the Ministry of Finance itself.
On 15th February 2026, the Ministry of Finance issued a Commitment Authorization to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. However, just four days later, on 19th February 2026, the Ministry of Finance issued the 2026 First and Second Quarter Budget Allotment Letter, which explicitly stated that, notwithstanding the contents of the Commitment Authorization, MOFA’s total expenditure for the first half of the year should not exceed GH¢910 million.
More significantly, the accompanying allotment schedule further restricted actual spending between January and June 2026 to approximately GH¢453 million, covering all expenditures, including staff compensation, contract commitments, and operational activities.
The records indicate that only limited allocations were made to key agricultural interventions, including:
- Farmer Service Centres – GH¢172,500,000.00
-
Nkokonkitinkiti Programme – GH¢36,747,767.55
-
Fertiliser and Certified Seeds – GH¢77,297,026.30
-
Feed Ghana Programme – GH¢4,500,000.00
-
National Food Buffer Stock Company – GH¢30,000,000.00
-
Irrigation Infrastructure – GH¢26,250,000.00
Since the issuance of the allotment letter, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has not received any subsequent communication from the Ministry of Finance authorising additional expenditures that would support the claim that GH¢1.6 billion has been released.
The question, therefore, remains straightforward:
If the Ministry of Finance officially capped MOFA’s spending through its allotment system and has not issued any subsequent authorisation, where exactly is this GH¢1.6 billion figure coming from?
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Public financial management is governed by official allotments, cash releases, and actual budget availability—not by public relations narratives or propaganda.
The Ghanaian people deserve transparency, accuracy, and honesty in the management of public finances, particularly in a sector as critical as agriculture and food security.
For the avoidance of doubt, attached are the Commitment Authorization letters issued by the Ministry of Finance, together with the 2026 First and Second Quarter Budget Allotment Letter and the accompanying schedule, which clearly indicate that MOFA’s expenditure ceiling for the first half of 2026 was capped at GH¢910,000,000.
The facts speak for themselves.
Signed
Samuel Huntor
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the Minister for Food and Agriculture.
