The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has rejected suggestions of a disagreement between his ministry and the Ministry of Finance over the release of funds for agricultural programmes in 2026.

His comments follow public discussions sparked by differing accounts regarding the extent and timing of budget disbursements to the agriculture sector, raising concerns about possible tensions between the two ministries.

The Ministry of Finance recently disclosed that it had released more than GH¢1.6 billion to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture this year, representing approximately 85 percent of the ministry’s allocation for Goods and Services and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX).

According to the Finance Ministry, releases for Goods and Services have reached 94.73 percent, while CAPEX disbursements stand at 74.66 percent, figures it says demonstrate strong budget execution and support for the agriculture sector.

The ministry further indicated that, apart from transfers to the National Food Buffer Stock Company, all funding requests were initiated by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture through the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and processed under established public financial management procedures.

Responding to reports of a possible rift, Mr. Opoku firmly dismissed the claims. “We don’t have any disagreements with the Ministry of Finance. Let me state this clearly. There is no disagreement.”

Speaking to journalists on Friday, June 19, the minister explained that the issue stemmed from communication challenges rather than any policy or operational conflict between the two institutions. “There was miscommunication, and there was a need for us to clarify the issues. We clarified them, and we are working together.”

Mr. Opoku stressed that both ministries remain committed to implementing government programmes and advancing national development objectives. “There is no way we can disagree to hinder the development of our nation. Our major preoccupation in government is to deliver to the admiration of the good people of our country.”

The minister also criticised what he described as exaggerated reporting of the matter, arguing that sections of the media had overstated the significance of what was essentially an issue of communication.