Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, Auditor-General
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has noted that no contractor will be paid without a proper audit by the Office of the Auditor General.
According to him, the government owes over GH¢67 billion in arrears across 23 ministries to contractors.
He made the comment when he met with Chief Directors and senior officials of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
The minister emphasized the need to uphold transparency and accountability in the handling of arrears owed by the government.
He said: “As I pledged to Parliament, no payment will be made until a full audit is completed. To this end, I directed all Chief Directors to work with the Auditor-General, ensuring he has everything he needs to carry out a comprehensive audit.
“The Auditor-General has been given enough time to complete this process. During this time, I ask for full cooperation and complete disclosure. Nothing must be withheld. Not a single pesewa will be paid without the Auditor-General’s affirmative endorsement,” he noted.
Ato Forson said the Auditor-General has also been tasked with verifying which claims have valid commencement warrants.
“This is critical. I must also reiterate: I have not paid a single contractor, and I do not intend to do so until the audit is concluded. We owe it to the people of Ghana to manage public funds with the highest level of integrity and discipline. And that begins with clarity, audits, and responsible decision-making,” the minister said.
SSD
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