Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has disclosed that the Ministry owes GH₵3.7 billion, with food suppliers threatening to halt services over unpaid debts.
Speaking before Parliament on Friday, March 21, Dr. Boamah stated that the government owes these suppliers GH₵275 million, an amount accumulated over 17 months, raising concerns about the sustenance of the Ghana Armed Forces.
“It must be placed on record that the outstanding indebtedness in terms of claims is almost GH₵3,700,000,000 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,” he detailed.
While acknowledging the severity of the situation, he called for swift action to resolve the matter.