There is no issue at all - Ato Forson clarifies alleged rift with Agriculture Ministry

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, downplayed reports of a rift between the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) on JoyNews' PM Express. He described recent differences over the release of funds for agricultural programmes as a misunderstanding that has since been resolved, stating, "There is no issue. It is not an issue at all. We have since had discussions around it. Honestly, the Minister for Agriculture visited us to explain his side, and we also explained our side. There is no issue at all."

The disagreement stemmed from a misunderstanding after the agriculture minister misinterpreted the finance ministry's position. This public disagreement emerged over the amount of funding released to support agricultural programmes this year. The Ministry of Finance claimed it had released more than GH¢1.6 billion to MoFA, representing approximately 85 percent of the ministry's allocation for Goods and Services and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX). Releases for goods and services reached 94.73 percent, while CAPEX disbursements stood at 74.66 percent. The ministry further explained that, except for transfers to the National Food Buffer Stock Company, all funding requests had been initiated by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.