In a bid to enforce fiscal discipline and curb financial recklessness in public administration, Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has declared that no government contract will be approved without prior commencement authorisation from the Ministry of Finance, effective April 3, 2025.
The announcement was made during a recent meeting with Chief Directors and senior officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), where Dr. Forson made it clear that the era of unchecked contract approvals has come to an end.
“You cannot award contracts without the express approval of the Ministry of Finance,” he stated firmly. “No commencement certificate, no procurement.”
The Minister explained that all government contracts must now receive commencement authorisation before proceeding.
Dr. Forson emphasized that this change is not merely administrative but a legal requirement under the Amended Public Financial Management Act, 2025. He warned that any violation of this directive would result in severe consequences.
“The Ministry of Finance will no longer take the fall for fiscal indiscipline,” he added.
Dr. Forson urged public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and patriotism in managing public funds.
“We are among the privileged few. We cannot continue to subject our people to hardship through poor governance and financial mismanagement,” he stated.
The Minister concluded by stressing that Ghana’s path to fiscal responsibility requires strict adherence to budget implementation processes, as well as transparency and accountability at all levels of government.
