Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that government contractors will not receive any payments until a thorough audit of outstanding arrears is completed by the Auditor-General.
Addressing Chief Directors from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during a high-level meeting, Dr. Forson emphasized, “I have not paid a single contractor, and I do not intend to do so until the audit is concluded.”
The audit, which covers GH¢67 billion in arrears across 23 ministries, is part of the government’s efforts to promote fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in public financial management. Dr. Forson outlined that the Auditor-General has been given a six-week timeline to complete the review.
The audit process will involve verifying claims, confirming the existence of valid commencement warrants, and identifying which financial commitments are legally payable.
Dr. Forson stressed the importance of transparency and full cooperation from all Chief Directors. “Not a single pesewa will be paid without the Auditor-General’s affirmative endorsement,” he warned.
He also emphasized the need for clarity between valid commitments that can be paid this year and those that lack the necessary legal backing. “This is about protecting the public purse. We must ensure that we are not paying for inflated, unauthorized, or non-existent commitments,” Dr. Forson stated.
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