Accra, April 8, 2025 – Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has issued a firm directive that no government contract shall be approved without prior commencement authorisation from the Ministry of Finance, effective April 3, 2025.
The decision is part of the government’s efforts to enforce fiscal discipline and improve public financial management across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
No Commencement Certificate, No Procurement
💼 Speaking at a high-level meeting with Chief Directors and senior government officials, Dr. Forson issued a strong warning against the unauthorised awarding of contracts.
📌 “You cannot award contracts without the express approval of the Ministry of Finance. No commencement certificate, no procurement,” he declared in a Facebook post on April 8.
Legal Basis & Consequences of Non-Compliance
📜 The directive aligns with the recently amended Public Financial Management Act, 2025, making prior approval from the Ministry of Finance a legal requirement.
🚨 Violations will lead to serious repercussions, as the Ministry will no longer bear the consequences of fiscal indiscipline.
Dr. Forson emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and strict budgetary compliance, urging public servants to uphold integrity, discipline, and patriotism in managing national resources.
Ensuring Fiscal Stability
💰 The Minister reiterated that Ghana’s journey towards economic stability requires:
✔️ Strict compliance with budgetary procedures
✔️ Transparent governance
✔️ Responsible financial management
🔹 “We cannot continue to subject our people to hardship through poor governance and financial mismanagement,” he stated.
📲 Stay informed—Download the HOTDIGITAL ONLINE APP and follow HotDigital Online for real-time updates on Ghana’s economic policies.
#FinanceMinistry #AtoForson #PublicFinance #FiscalDiscipline #HotDigitalOnline
