Defence Minister Dr. Omane Boamah has disclosed that food suppliers for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) are threatening to cut supplies due to an outstanding debt of GHC270 million.

Speaking after a crucial meeting last Thursday on ensuring sustainable food provision for the military, Dr. Boamah lamented the financial strain inherited by the current administration.

In a Facebook post, he criticized the previous government, stating, “It was revealed that the Akufo-Addo Bawumia government did not prioritise food provision for the Ghana Armed Forces.”

Expressing concern over the repercussions of the debt, he added, “Yet, we all know soldiers don’t march on empty stomachs. Huge food supply debt!”

According to the Defence Minister, the financial obligation was accumulated between August 2023 and December 2024 under the previous government, leaving suppliers unpaid for months.

To address the crisis, he assured that Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson is taking steps to settle both ongoing food supply bills and the inherited arrears.

"We work towards settling the arrears of over GHC270 million left behind by the NPP government," he noted.

Dr. Boamah further revealed that the Defence Ministry is dealing with a broader financial burden, with total debts amounting to GHC3.7 billion. This includes liabilities for equipment supply, repairs, and machinery procurement.

During a parliamentary debate on the 2025 Budget Statement on Friday, March 21, he reiterated the urgency of the matter, saying:

"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.”

To avert supply disruptions, Dr. Boamah outlined immediate measures to stabilize the situation, promising swift action in the coming weeks.

"We’re determined to provide short-term and medium-term solutions to this avoidable food supply problem. We’ll commence that journey of food supply solutions next week," he assured.