Questions raised over claims of budget releases to MOFA
Concerns have been raised over claims suggesting the release of significant funds to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), with arguments indicating that established public financial management and procurement processes do not support assertions that a large portion of the ministry’s 2026 budget has already been disbursed.
In an analysis authored by Samuel Huntor, Media Liaison Officer at MOFA, the procedures governing government expenditure and project payments were outlined to dispute claims that 85 per cent of the ministry’s 2026 budget allocation had been released.
According to the explanation, Parliament first approves the national budget and allocates funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for specific programmes and projects.
Before procurement for major contracts can begin, sector ministries are required to obtain a Commitment Authorization from the Ministry of Finance.
The analysis notes that under the amended Public Procurement Act, proceeding with procurement without such authorization constitutes an offence.
It further explains that even after approval is granted, MDAs must obtain the necessary requisitions or purchase orders before initiating procurement processes.
Contracts are then awarded in line with the Public Procurement Act after all required statutory approvals have been secured.
The document adds that contractors must execute part or all of the agreed work before becoming eligible for payment, and payment requests must be supported with evidence of completion, including documentation and other verification materials.
After validation by the sector ministry, an Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) is issued and forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for further scrutiny.
Only after approval from the Ministry of Finance is the Controller and Accountant General’s Department authorised to process payments.
Based on this framework, the analysis argues that no funds can be lawfully released for project payments unless all statutory requirements are met, including procurement approvals, execution of works, verification of claims, and issuance of payment certificates.
The article also questions reports that GHS110 million had been released for irrigation infrastructure projects, noting that the approved allocation for irrigation in 2026 is reportedly GHS105 million.
The author argues that if the figures are accurate, it raises concerns about compliance with budget ceilings and public financial management regulations.
It further claims that checks with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department did not show evidence of such a release.
On that basis, the author contends that statements attributed to the Deputy Finance Minister regarding budget disbursements to MOFA do not reflect the actual status of releases.
The article concludes by commending the Minister for Food and Agriculture for what it describes as his restraint and professionalism in handling the public discourse on the matter.