Agriculture Minister denies rift with Finance Ministry Over funding releases

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has dismissed reports of a disagreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) regarding the release of funds for agricultural programmes in 2026, insisting that both institutions continue to work closely together.

His comments follow public discussions sparked by differing accounts over the timing and extent of budget disbursements to the agriculture sector, leading to speculation about possible tensions between the two ministries.

The Ministry of Finance recently stated that it has released more than GH¢1.6 billion to MoFA this year, representing approximately 85 per cent of the ministry’s allocation for Goods and Services as well as Capital Expenditure (CAPEX).

According to the Finance Ministry, releases for Goods and Services have reached 94.73 per cent, while CAPEX disbursements currently stand at 74.66 per cent, figures it says demonstrate strong implementation of the approved budget.

The ministry further explained that, with the exception of transfers to the National Food Buffer Stock Company, all requests for funding were initiated by MoFA through the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and processed in line with established public financial management procedures.

However, speaking to the media on Friday, June 19, Mr Opoku rejected suggestions that there was any conflict between the two ministries.

“We don’t have any disagreements with the Ministry of Finance. Let me state this clearly. There is no disagreement,” he said.

The minister explained that the concerns stemmed from a communication gap rather than any policy or operational dispute, adding that the matter had since been clarified and resolved.

“There was miscommunication, and there was a need for us to clarify the issues. We clarified them, and we are working together,” he stated.

Mr Opoku stressed that government institutions must collaborate to advance national development objectives and ensure the effective implementation of government programmes.

“There is no way we can disagree to hinder the development of our nation. Our major preoccupation in government is to deliver to the admiration of the good people of our country,” he added.

He also criticised what he described as the sensationalisation of the issue by sections of the media, arguing that the matter had been overstated despite the absence of any real disagreement between the two ministries.

Prince Antwi

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