Concerns have emerged over claims regarding the alleged release of funds to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), with arguments being made that established public financial management and procurement procedures do not support assertions that a significant portion of the ministry's 2026 budget has already been disbursed.

In an analysis authored by Samuel Huntor, Media Liaison Officer at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the processes governing government expenditure and project payments were outlined to challenge claims that 85 per cent of the Ministry's budget allocation for 2026 had been released.

According to the explanation, Parliament first approves the national budget and allocates resources to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for specific projects and programmes.

Before procurement processes 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, undertaking procurement without such authorization constitutes an offence.

It further explains that even after a Commitment Authorization is granted, ministries and agencies must secure the necessary requisitions or purchase orders before commencing procurement activities.

Contracts are then awarded in accordance with the Public Procurement Act after all statutory approvals have been obtained.

The document emphasizes that contractors must execute part or all of the contracted work before becoming eligible for payment and that requests for payment must be accompanied by evidence of completed work, pictorial documentation, and other supporting materials.

Following verification by the sector ministry, an Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) is issued and submitted to the Ministry of Finance for further review.

Only after the Ministry of Finance validates the claim can authorization be given to the Controller and Accountant-General's Department to process payment.

Based on this process, the analysis argues that funds for project payments cannot be lawfully released unless all statutory requirements have been satisfied, including procurement approvals, execution of work, submission of payment claims, verification of supporting documents, and issuance of the necessary payment certificates.

The article further questions reports that GHS110 million had been released for irrigation infrastructure projects, noting that the approved budget allocation for irrigation in 2026 is reportedly GHS105 million.

According to the author, if the figures are accurate, questions would arise regarding compliance with approved budget ceilings and public financial management regulations.

The analysis also claims that checks conducted 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 the extent of budget releases to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture do not accurately reflect the actual status of disbursements.

The article concludes by commending the Minister for Food and Agriculture for what it describes as his restraint and professionalism in responding to the matter amid the ongoing public discussion over government budget releases and expenditure management.