On Friday, July 7, 2023, when members of the Minority Caucus visited the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) for business, there was some form of dissatisfaction between the caucus members and the Agric Minister.
In a widely seen video, Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, is seen having a heated argument with the members.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture can be heard saying to the Minority Leader that “You can’t do that, and you were a deputy Finance Minister? And what do you know about paying people or payment that has been made?”
Along with their leader, the opposition’s other MPs included Kwabena Mintah Akandoh of Juabosso, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of North Tongu, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah of Ellembelle, and Kwame Agbodza of Adaklu.
Some Caucus members could also be heard urging the Minister “You should be the last person to get angry. If you had solved it, we will not be here and so you don’t shout at us like that. It is disrespectful.”
The Minority Leader, Cassiel Ato Forson, was reprimanded by the Minister, who then exploded, saying, “You are a leader, and you don’t bring the press to a discussion.”
Legislators from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) visited the National Food Buffer Stock Company office, where the food suppliers had been sleeping for three days in a row, to make a payment demand.
Bryan Acheampong disapproved of the style and manner in which his legislative colleagues had confronted him.
“You are a former Deputy Finance Minister, what do you know about these payments? What do you know about payments that have been delayed,” an unhappy Bryan told Ato Forson.
“…This is not the route to solve this problem. This inorganic picketing should not be accepted and encouraged,” the Abetifi Lawmaker added.
Hon. Mintah Akandoh responded to Bryan Acheampong and told him “You should be the last person to get angry, we are finding a solution.”
What might have started the altercation is unknown.
National Food Suppliers Association members are picketing at the Buffer Stock to demand payment of their two years’ worth of GH278 million in arrears for food provided to senior high schools all throughout the nation.
On Thursday, July 6, the Minister paid a visit to the irate food suppliers and pledged to work with the Ministry of Finance to get their back payments made.
Emergency Board Meeting Scheduled
The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) management has admitted its debt to food suppliers about the arrears, which has led to the picketing.
The company says an emergency meeting has been scheduled by the board on the matter.
“NAFCO acknowledges its indebtedness to its cherished suppliers. The company sympathizes with them in this unfortunate situation they find themselves in which has compelled them to picket at our head office premises. The company is equally concerned about their plight and appreciates their patience.
NAFCO
“An emergency board meeting has been scheduled on the situation and the outcome including a possible roadmap for resolution will be shared thereafter.”
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