Government launches renewed drive to enforce accountability in public spending

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has signaled a tougher enforcement regime for public financial management, declaring that accountability “will no longer be optional” as government moves to act on recommendations from the 2024 Audit Report.

Addressing Chief Directors and senior audit officers from ministries, departments and agencies, Dr. Forson expressed deep concern over recurring financial irregularities, saying persistent waste weakens confidence in Ghana’s governance and economic stability.

“Persistent waste sends the wrong signal about our nation and risks undermining the peace, stability and confidence we have all worked hard to restore,” he warned.

He stressed that many of the infractions captured in audit reports are entirely preventable, urging public sector leaders to treat the matter with urgency. Ghana, he said, “cannot continue to lose scarce national resources through completely avoidable breaches,” calling for violations to be reduced “to the barest minimum.”

Dr. Forson also reminded officials of the specialised financial and economic courts established to fast-track the prosecution of breaches of financial laws. Their creation, he noted, is part of a broader push to entrench discipline in public financial management.

“This is a new chapter. Accountability will no longer be optional,” he emphasised.

Reaffirming his commitment to protecting the public purse, the Minister stressed that prudent financial stewardship is a national responsibility. “Discipline in public financial management is not just a requirement; it is a duty we owe to every Ghanaian,” he said, urging public officials to rise to the task.