Minister of Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, has announced that GHS100 million out of the owed GHS203 million to food suppliers has been transferred.
He assured that the first part of the arrears will be paid by Tuesday, July 18, with the remaining amount settled by 17th August.
The Minister made this statement in Parliament after being summoned by the Speaker, along with the Ministers of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, to address the issue with the food suppliers.
“We still owe suppliers a little above GHS203 million. Last week we received GHS100 million which is 50 percent of what is due the suppliers, we have transferred same through the processes to buffer stock. We are hoping that by midweek this week that 50 percent will be sent to the suppliers.
“I have also assured the suppliers that as we commence the payment of the 50 percent on the 17th of July, by the 17th of August the remaining 50 percent will be paid.”
The Agriculture Minister’s comments come amidst a stand-off with the National Food Suppliers Association, represented by spokesperson Koku Amedume, who expressed their refusal to accept partial payments and demanded the government stick to the original payment schedule.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture assured that the necessary funds for full payment had been released, and the settlement would be made by Wednesday, July 19.
Addressing the press on Monday, July 17, the spokesperson stated that the suppliers are seeking complete settlement of their long-overdue funds. Interest has accumulated, and they are facing pressure from banks to take their properties, while members suffer from severe financial hardships.