Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has firmly stated that no payments will be made to government contractors until a comprehensive audit of outstanding arrears is completed by the Auditor-General.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with Chief Directors from the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Dr. Forson emphasized: “I have not paid a single contractor, and I do not intend to do so until the audit is concluded.”
The audit, which covers GH¢67 billion in arrears owed by 23 ministries, is part of a broader effort to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in public financial management.
The Auditor-General has given six weeks to complete the review, which includes verifying claims, checking for valid commencement warrants, and identifying which obligations are legally payable.
Dr. Forson directed Chief Directors to work closely with the Auditor-General and provide full disclosure of all outstanding commitments. “Not a single pesewa will be paid without the Auditor-General’s affirmative endorsement,” he warned.
Dr. Forson stressed the urgent need to determine which commitments are actually due this year, and which have proper commencement authorisation.
“This is about safeguarding the public purse and ensuring we are not paying for commitments that are either inflated, invalid, or unauthorised,” he said.