The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has revealed that a significant quantity of rice and maize procured by the government for drought relief in 2024 remains unaccounted for.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, March 10, while presenting findings from the Auditor-General’s report on arrears and payables as at the end of 2024, Mr Ampem Nyarko disclosed discrepancies in food supplies purchased to mitigate the effects of the dry spell.

According to him, the government paid for 34,000 metric tonnes (MT) of rice, but only part of the consignment was received and distributed.

“The government had paid for 34,000 metric tonnes of rice to mitigate the effects of the dry spell, but the Ministry of Food and Agriculture received and distributed only 24,000 metric tonnes, leaving 10,000 metric tonnes missing despite full payment,” he told the House.

Mr Ampem Nyarko also highlighted serious irregularities in the procurement of maize under the same programme.

He said the government contracted a supplier to deliver 100,000 metric tonnes of maize valued at GH¢771.2 million, but only a small portion of the consignment was supplied and distributed.

According to the Deputy Minister, just 11,900 metric tonnes of the maize were delivered, raising significant concerns about accountability in the procurement process.

He further disclosed that documentation submitted to support the transactions may have overstated the actual deliveries.

“The stores’ receipt advice submitted by MoFA—supported by a checklist certified by the ministry’s internal auditor—overstated deliveries,” he said.

Mr Ampem Nyarko noted that the findings raise serious concerns about oversight and accountability in the handling of public funds and government procurement processes.