- Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announces a freeze on contractor payments
- Payments will remain on hold until a thorough audit of GH¢67 billion in arrears is completed
- Auditor-General given six weeks to complete the review across 23 ministries
Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that government contractors will not receive any payments until a comprehensive audit of outstanding arrears is completed by the Auditor-General.
In a meeting with Chief Directors from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Dr. Forson stated, “I have not paid any contractor, and I do not plan to do so until the audit is finished.”
The audit, which will assess GH¢67 billion in arrears across 23 ministries, is part of the government’s efforts to enforce fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in public financial management. Dr. Forson revealed that the Auditor-General has been given a six-week deadline to complete the review.
The audit will involve verifying claims, confirming valid commencement warrants, and identifying which financial obligations are legally payable.
Dr. Forson emphasized the importance of transparency and full cooperation from all Chief Directors, warning, “Not a single pesewa will be paid without the Auditor-General’s formal approval.” He also underscored the need to differentiate between valid commitments that can be settled this year and those lacking the necessary legal documentation. “This is about safeguarding the public purse. We must ensure that we are not paying for inflated, unauthorized, or nonexistent commitments,” Dr. Forson added.
