Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that no payments will be made to government contractors until a thorough audit of outstanding arrears is completed.
This decision comes as part of a broader effort to safeguard the public purse and prevent unauthorized or inflated payments.
The Minister noted that there is an audit, which covers a staggering GH¢67 billion in arrears across 23 ministries, is being conducted by the Auditor-General.
He further emphasized that the review process involves verifying claims, checking for valid commencement warrants, and identifying which obligations are legally payable. The Auditor-General has been given six weeks to complete this critical assessment.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with Chief Directors from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Dr. Forson emphasized his commitment to fiscal discipline.
“I have not paid a single contractor, and I do not intend to do so until the audit is concluded,” he stated
Dr. Forson directed Chief Directors to work closely with the Auditor-General, ensuring full disclosure of all outstanding commitments.
“Not a single pesewa will be paid without the Auditor-General’s affirmative endorsement,” he warned.
Dr. Forson stressed that this measure is crucial for determining which commitments are actually due this year and which have proper commencement authorization.
“This is about safeguarding the public purse and ensuring we are not paying for commitments that are either inflated, invalid, or unauthorized,” he explained.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ Kwadwo Owusu
