The Ministry of Finance states it has released over GH¢1.6 billion for agricultural programmes in 2026. This represents 85 percent of the funds allocated to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) for Goods and Services and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX). The Finance Ministry reported that 94.73 percent of Goods and Services funds have been released. CAPEX disbursements reached 74.66 percent, indicating strong budget execution according to the Finance Ministry. Most fund requests were initiated by MoFA through the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). These are then processed by the Finance Ministry.
However, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture disputes these figures. MoFA insists the Finance Ministry’s numbers do not match its own budget execution documents. MoFA received a Commitment Authorization on February 15, 2026. Four days later, the First and Second Quarter Budget Allotment Letter limited MoFA’s spending for the first half of the year. This cap was GH¢910 million. An accompanying allotment schedule restricted actual spending from January to June to approximately GH¢453 million. This amount covered compensation, operations, and existing contracts.
MoFA highlighted specific allocations within its approved spending framework. These included GH¢172.5 million for Farmer Service Centres and GH¢77.3 million for fertiliser and certified seeds. The Nkokonkitinkiti Programme received GH¢36.75 million. The National Food Buffer Stock Company was allocated GH¢30 million. Irrigation infrastructure was set to receive GH¢26.25 million. The Feed Ghana Programme was to get GH¢4.5 million. MoFA states it has received no later authorization to support the larger release claims.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture stressed that public finances are managed through official allotments and cash releases. This process, not public statements, governs financial management. MoFA has attached documentation to support its claim that expenditure was limited to GH¢910 million for the first six months of 2026. MoFA's Media Liaison Officer, Samuel Huntor, stated that official records support MoFA's position. He called for transparency in reporting public financial data. This disagreement raises questions about the accuracy of financial reporting and budget implementation.
This clash highlights a potential disconnect in financial reporting between two key government bodies. It could impact agricultural project timelines and investor confidence. Decisions on future funding releases may be scrutinized more closely. The accuracy of these reported figures is crucial for effective public financial management. This situation will likely influence future budget discussions and oversight. It also affects the perceived stability of Ghana's economic management.