Samuel Huntor, Media Liaison Officer to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has urged Ghanaians to rely on facts rather than what he describes as politically motivated misinformation regarding the release of funds to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).
Speaking amid ongoing public discussions about alleged disbursements to the ministry, Mr. Huntor explained that Ghana’s public financial management and procurement systems are governed by strict legal procedures that prevent the arbitrary release of state funds.
He noted that every government-funded project begins with parliamentary approval of the national budget, which allocates resources to various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
According to him, before any procurement activity can commence, the sector minister must obtain a Commitment Authorization from the Minister for Finance. He stressed that the amended Public Procurement Act makes it unlawful for any public institution to undertake procurement without first securing such authorization.
Mr. Huntor further explained that the issuance of a Commitment Authorization does not automatically trigger procurement processes. Ministries and agencies must subsequently secure the required requisitions and purchase orders before contracts can be awarded in line with the Public Procurement Act.
He said contractors are expected to execute part or all of their contractual obligations before becoming eligible for payment. To receive payment, contractors must submit formal requests accompanied by evidence of work completed, including relevant documentation and photographic records.
The ministry, he said, is then required to verify the work carried out and issue an Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) if satisfied. The certificate is subsequently forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for additional scrutiny and validation.
Mr. Huntor explained that the Ministry of Finance conducts its own independent assessment before approving any payment request. Once authorization is granted, payment instructions are sent to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for processing in accordance with established financial regulations.
He emphasized that the multiple layers of verification are designed to safeguard public funds, promote transparency and prevent unauthorized expenditure.
Addressing claims that 85 percent of MOFA’s 2026 budget had already been released, Mr. Huntor questioned the basis of such assertions, arguing that evidence would be required to demonstrate that all statutory and administrative procedures had been completed.
He also challenged reports alleging that GHS110 million had been released for irrigation infrastructure despite indications that the approved allocation for the sector stood at GHS105 million.
According to him, checks conducted with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department did not confirm any such release.
Mr. Huntor commended Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku for maintaining what he described as a measured and professional approach to the controversy, despite the public debate surrounding the matter.
He called on commentators and political actors to ensure that discussions on public finances are grounded in verified facts and a clear understanding of the procedures governing government expenditure.