Planting for Food and Jobs Program in Jeopardy Amidst Corruption Allegations
The Metro Lens has launched an investigation into a shocking case of corruption at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), putting the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program at risk. A confidential memo has revealed institutional malfeasance within the ministry, unbeknownst to the honorable Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
According to allegations under the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP2), Invess Limited, a Ghanaian-owned entity previously blacklisted for fertilizer smuggling and corruption during Dr. Akoto’s administration, was inexplicably shortlisted for a supply bidding. This unauthorized selection allowed Invess Limited to supply approximately one thousand tonnes (1,000) of fertilizer without approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
Investigations have shown that the supplied fertilizer was of ‘inferior quality,’ causing significant harm to local farmers. Shockingly, this supply operation took place in the Ashanti region, an NPP stronghold, without the knowledge of the sector minister and other MoFA technocrats.
To cover up the procurement breaches, a senior advisor to the minister allegedly orchestrated the removal of Mr. Patrick Ankobiah, MoFA Chief Director, and initiated a tender process after the supplies were already made. In a suspicious turn of events, Invess Limited conveniently won the tender bid. The recent FSRP Tender Opening Result is provided in the table below.
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This alarming revelation of corruption within MoFA poses a serious threat to the progress made by Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s Phase II of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program. The PFJ Phase II aims to alleviate upfront financing burdens for land development, preparation, and the procurement of seeds and fertilizers, which collectively account for approximately 80% of production costs. Unfortunately, these allegations have caught the attention of the World Bank, prompting an investigation that could jeopardize a proposed $40 million financial restructuring for the PFJ Phase II.
The implications of this scandal are far-reaching, and it is crucial for Dr. Bryan Acheampong and Jubilee house power brokers to take immediate action to address and rectify the situation. Farmer-supplier disaffection is widespread, and swift measures are necessary to restore trust and salvage the PFJ program.