GH¢1.67bn Agric Budget Row: Ato Forson vs Eric Opoku Fight Exposes Gov’t Rift

A major internal fight has erupted inside the government over Ghana’s GH¢1.67 billion agriculture budget for 2026, with Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku openly disagreeing on how the funds should be allocated.

The dispute, which The Daily Gist reports has now “spilled out” into public view, is raising fresh questions about coordination within government and what it means for farmers expecting support this year.

What the fight is about

At the center of the row is control and priority of the GH¢1.67bn budgetary allocation for the agriculture sector. Dr. Ato Forson, who manages the national purse, is reportedly pushing for tighter fiscal discipline and reallocation of some funds to other pressing sectors. On the other side, Agric Minister Eric Opoku insists the full amount must go directly into farming programs, fertilizer subsidies, mechanization, and irrigation projects that were promised to farmers. Opoku argues that cutting the agric budget now would reverse gains made in food security and crop production.

Sources close to both ministries say meetings between the two have grown tense, with each side accusing the other of undermining sector priorities.

Why farmers are worried

Ghana’s agriculture sector employs over 40% of the workforce and remains key to food security. Delays or cuts in budget releases have historically led to late distribution of fertilizers, poor access to improved seeds, and stalled irrigation projects.

If the GH¢1.67bn budget fight drags on, farming groups fear it could affect the 2026 planting season. Already, some farmer associations have called for a quick resolution, warning that political disagreements should not derail food production.

Broader implications for government

This is not the first time cabinet members have clashed over budgets, but the public nature of the Ato Forson vs Eric Opoku dispute is unusual. It comes at a time when the government is trying to project unity and fiscal stability amid inflation concerns and IMF program reviews.

Political analysts say how President Mahama resolves this rift will signal how serious his administration is about protecting agriculture, which remains a campaign promise area for the NDC.

For now, both ministers have kept official statements brief. But with Parliament expected to scrutinize the budget implementation soon, Ghanaians will be watching to see whether the GH¢1.67bn agriculture fund reaches farmers on time, or gets caught in bureaucratic battles.

What’s next

Parliament’s Agric Committee is expected to summon both ministers for clarification. Farmer groups and agribusiness stakeholders are also planning to meet officials to demand transparency on budget disbursement timelines.

Until then, the GH¢1.67bn question remains: will the money reach the farms, or get stuck in government infighting?