The Defence Ministry is facing a debt issue with food suppliers, who are threatening to stop services due to the government’s unpaid debt of GHS275 million, accumulated over 17 months.
The Ministry’s total indebtedness stands at GHS3.7 billion for various expenses, including equipment supply and repair, as well as the provision of machinery.
The Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, announced that the Finance Ministry is taking steps to clear the arrears during a debate on the 2025 Budget.
He said this in Parliament in Accra on Friday March 21, 2025.
“It must be placed on record that the outstanding indebtedness in terms of claims is almost GHS3,700,000,000 and Mr. Speaker, this includes indebtedness to food suppliers, supply and repair of equipment, provision of machinery, and equipment.
“Mr. Speaker, we all know soldiers should not and must not march on empty stomachs. However, Mr. Speaker, food suppliers have even threatened to hold supplies to the Ghana Armed Forces. This is because government’s indebtedness to them dates back from August 2023 up to December, and that is like 17 months.
“This indebtedness is GHS275,000,000 and over. I’m glad to report that with prudence and the unfolding visible competent management of the fiscal space, the Minister for Finance has promised to be current on current claims as he takes steps to creatively settle the huge arrears,” Dr Boamah stated.
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