Finance Minister urges agencies to slash audit infractions

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on Tuesday ordered chief directors and audit heads of all ministries, departments and agencies to slash infractions flagged in the 2024 Auditor‑General’s Report to the barest minimum next year.

Speaking to senior officials at a closed‑door meeting in Accra, the minister warned that persistent waste and irregularities are draining scarce national resources and tarnishing Ghana’s governance record.

“We cannot continue to lose scarce national resources through infractions that are completely avoidable. Ghana deserves better,” Forson said, stressing the urgent need for corrective action.

He noted that the 2024 audit identified several recurring violations, including unauthorised procurement, delayed financial reporting and non‑compliance with statutory thresholds, which together cost the treasury billions of cedis.

Forson reminded attendees that specialised courts have been established to prosecute breaches of financial laws, signalling the government’s resolve to enforce strict accountability.

“This is a new chapter. Accountability will no longer be optional,” he declared, adding that discipline in public financial management is not only a requirement but “a duty we owe to every Ghanaian.”

The minister urged each MDA to develop concrete implementation plans, conduct regular internal audits and submit quarterly progress updates to the Ministry of Finance. Failure to meet the targets could trigger disciplinary measures under the Public Financial Management Act.

Analysts say the push could improve fiscal credibility ahead of the 2026 national budget cycle, but they caution that lasting change will require capacity‑building and political will across the public sector.

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