The Defence Ministry is grappling with a mounting debt crisis, with food suppliers threatening to cut supplies over unpaid arrears amounting to GHS275 million, accumulated over a 17-month period.
The Ministry’s financial obligations extend beyond food supply, with a total debt of GHS3.7 billion covering expenses such as equipment supply, machinery procurement, and repairs.
During a parliamentary debate on the 2025 Budget on Friday, March 21, 2025, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah addressed the issue, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
“Mr. Speaker, we all know soldiers should not and must not march on empty stomachs. However, food suppliers have threatened to withhold supplies to the Ghana Armed Forces due to government’s indebtedness dating back to August 2023,” Dr. Boamah stated.
He assured Parliament that the Finance Ministry is actively working to address the arrears, stating that measures are being taken to ensure current obligations are met while plans are put in place to settle the accumulated debt.
The situation has raised concerns about the government’s financial commitments to the military, with stakeholders calling for swift intervention to prevent disruptions in essential supplies to the armed forces.
