Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has reinforced government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the handling of arrears owed by government.
He announced that no payments will be made on the over GH¢67 billion debt across 23 ministries until a comprehensive audit is completed.
During a high-level meeting with Chief Directors and senior officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the Minister instructed all heads of ministries to work in full cooperation with the Auditor-General and provide the necessary documentation to support a thorough verification process.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, April 8, he emphasized that the Auditor-General has been given ample time to conduct the audit and has been tasked with verifying which claims have valid commencement warrantsn.
“Currently, we are dealing with over GH¢67 billion in arrears across the 23 ministries. As I pledged to Parliament, no payment will be made until a full audit is completed. To this end, I directed all Chief Directors to work with the Auditor-General, ensuring he has everything he needs to carry out a comprehensive audit,” he wrote.
According to Dr. Forson, no disbursement will be made without the Auditor-General’s affirmative endorsement, and not a single contractor has been paid.
He made it clear that he does not intend to authorize any payment until the audit process is concluded.
Dr. Forson noted that ensuring integrity in the management of public funds starts with clarity, diligent auditing, and responsible financial decisions—principles he says the government remains committed to upholding in the interest of all Ghanaians.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW
Still, at the meeting with the Chief Directors, I made it clear that we must uphold transparency and accountability in the handling of arrears owed by the government.
Currently, we are dealing with over GH¢67 billion in arrears across the 23 ministries.
As I pledged to Parliament, no payment will be made until a full audit is completed.
To this end, I directed all Chief Directors to work with the Auditor-General, ensuring he has everything he needs to carry out a comprehensive audit.
The Auditor-General has been given enough time to complete this process. During this time, I ask for full cooperation and complete disclosure. Nothing must be withheld.
Not a single pesewa will be paid without the Auditor-General’s affirmative endorsement.
The Auditor-General has also been tasked with verifying which of the claims have valid commencement warrants. This is critical.
I must also reiterate: I have not paid a single contractor, and I do not intend to do so until the audit is concluded.
We owe it to the people of Ghana to manage public funds with the highest level of integrity and discipline.
And that begins with clarity, audits, and responsible decision-making.
