Defence Ministry's GHS275 Million Debt Sparks Threats of Service Cutoff
Accra, Ghana - 21 March, 2025 - Ghana's Defence Ministry is grappling with a staggering debt of GHS3.7 billion, with food suppliers owed a whopping GHS275 million, accumulated over 17 months.
The suppliers have threatened to halt services, leaving the Ghana Armed Forces facing a potential food crisis
Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah revealed the extent of the debt in Parliament on Friday, March 21, 2025. He assured lawmakers that the Finance Ministry is working to clear the arrears, with the Minister for Finance promising to settle current claims and creatively address the huge debt.
The Defence Ministry's financial woes are not limited to food suppliers. The total indebtedness of GHS3.7 billion includes outstanding payments for equipment supply and repair, as well as the provision of machinery.
The situation has raised concerns about the sustainability of Ghana's armed forces, with Dr. Boamah acknowledging that "soldiers should not and must not march on empty stomachs".
“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.
Soure: Lead News Online
