To promote fiscal responsibility and mitigate financial irresponsibility within public administration, the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that, starting April 3, 2025, no government contract will be sanctioned without prior commencement authorization from the Ministry of Finance.
This declaration was made during a recent assembly with Chief Directors and senior officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), where Dr. Forson underscored the conclusion of the period characterized by unregulated contract approvals.
“You cannot award contracts without the explicit consent of the Ministry of Finance,” he asserted decisively. “Without a commencement certificate, there will be no procurement.”
The Minister clarified that all government contracts are now required to obtain commencement authorization before any further action can be taken.
Dr. Forson highlighted that this adjustment is not just a procedural change but a legal obligation under the Amended Public Financial Management Act, of 2025. He cautioned that any breach of this directive would lead to significant repercussions.
“The Ministry of Finance will no longer bear the consequences of fiscal indiscipline,” he remarked.
Dr. Forson called upon public officials to maintain the highest levels of integrity and patriotism in the stewardship of public resources.
“We are among the fortunate few. We cannot continue to impose hardship on our citizens through ineffective governance and financial mismanagement,” he emphasized.
In conclusion, the Minister reiterated that Ghana’s journey towards fiscal accountability necessitates strict compliance with budget implementation protocols, alongside transparency and accountability across all government levels.
