The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced a decisive new approach to safeguarding public finances, emphasizing that accountability “will no longer be optional” as the government implements recommendations from the 2024 Audit Report.
Speaking at a meeting with Chief Directors and senior audit officials from ministries, departments, and agencies, Dr. Forson expressed concern over persistent financial waste in the public sector, warning that it erodes 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 cautioned.
The Minister noted that many infractions highlighted in audit reports are entirely avoidable, urging public sector leaders to take the matter seriously. “We cannot continue to lose scarce national resources through completely preventable breaches. Ghana truly deserves better,” he said, calling for financial violations to be reduced “to the barest minimum.”
Dr. Forson also reminded officials that the government has established specialised financial and economic courts to prosecute breaches of financial laws swiftly and effectively. He described their creation as part of a broader effort to instill discipline in public financial management. “This is a new chapter. Accountability will no longer be optional,” he declared.
Reiterating his commitment to protecting the public purse, the Finance Minister stressed that responsible financial stewardship is not just a bureaucratic obligation but a duty to every Ghanaian. “Discipline in public financial management is not just a requirement; it is a duty we owe to every Ghanaian,” he concluded, urging officials to rise to the challenge.
