The Minority in Parliament is preparing to present the Public Financial Management (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aims to strengthen fiscal discipline and improve accountability in public spending.
This proposed Private Member’s Bill intends to modify the current Public Financial Management Act to guarantee that the allocation of annual budgetary funds is strictly in accordance with the national development priorities sanctioned by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC).
During a stakeholder engagement regarding the proposed legislation, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee and Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, articulated that the amendment would restrict the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, from disbursing funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), for initiatives that are not included in the sanctioned national development framework.
Oppong Nkrumah stated that the aim is to limit unplanned and discretionary expenditures that do not align with the country’s strategic development agenda.
“This amendment aims to prevent the Ministry of Finance from financing such projects and programs. This is distinct from contingencies or emergencies that may occur. However, for regular programs and projects that have not been incorporated into the strategic plan of the MMDA or the MDA for certification, the purpose of this amendment bill is to withhold funding until such time as it is included and certified as part of the National Development Planning Commission’s program,” he remarked.
The Deputy Clerk to Parliament responsible for Legislative Management Services, Camillo Pwamang, indicated that the proposed amendment would also mandate the publication of annual progress reports on development programs prior to the issuance of expenditure warrants.
By modifying the PFM Act, the proposed legislation would, among other provisions, establish that development plans officially sanctioned by the NDPC serve as the essential foundation for the formulation of the annual budget.
“Additionally, it mandates the release of yearly progress reports as a prerequisite for the incorporation of estimates into the budget and for the authorization of expenditure warrants,” he stated.
