Ato Forson Pays GH¢2.7bn Into GETFund

Finance Minister's Announcement on Educational Funding

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, announced a transfer of GH₵2.71 billion to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). This funding supports key educational initiatives, including the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

He made this announcement during a presentation to Parliament on Tuesday. “Mr Speaker, GH₵2.7 billion for January to April 2025 has been transferred,” Dr. Forson stated. He emphasized that this timely transfer stabilizes educational financing under President John Dramani Mahama.

The funding now fully covers the Free SHS programme under GETFund. It helps eliminate previous bottlenecks in implementation. “Challenges like feeding that impeded smooth operations have been resolved,” he added.

District Assemblies Common Fund Update

In addition to education funding, Dr. Forson reported a transfer of GH₵987,965,073 from the Consolidated Fund to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). This amount represents the first quarter allocation for 2025.

He highlighted the government's commitment to fiscal decentralization and local development. “80% of this amount must be transferred directly to District Assemblies,” he said.

Dr. Forson criticized past allocations where only 40% to 50% reached MMDAs directly. He blamed this on recent decisions that undermined local service delivery capacity.

To address this issue, the current administration aims for at least 80% of DACF allocations to reach Assemblies directly. “This measure will empower Assemblies and promote economic growth locally,” he noted.

Funding Distribution Guidelines

Dr. Forson announced that about GH₵6.1 billion of the GH₵7.57 billion earmarked for DACF in 2025 will go directly to local Assemblies. Each Assembly is expected to receive at least GH₵25 million.

Cabinet-approved guidelines outline how DACF funds should be used:
- 25% for model market construction
- 10% for health infrastructure
- 10% for educational facilities
- 10% for potable water projects
- 10% for school furniture
- 5% for administration and monitoring
- 20% for completing abandoned projects

He urged Members of Parliament to monitor fund utilization closely.

Government's Commitment

Dr. Forson concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to timely statutory payments under President Mahama’s leadership. He assured that transfers have been made promptly and in full recently.

Additionally, he revealed that GH₵2.03 billion had been paid into the National Health Insurance Fund, helping clear arrears and implement health programs.

Reactions from Majority Leader

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga praised Dr. Forson's comprehensive statement on statutory fund payments. He noted there have been no delays in disbursements under President Mahama’s administration.

“Payments have been made monthly without owing service providers or hospitals,” he stated confidently regarding health insurance payments.

Ayariga also mentioned that contractors under GETFund confirmed receiving their payments this year without disruptions due to food shortages in schools.

Regarding DACF disbursements, he explained delays were due to legal constraints following recent elections which dissolved district assemblies temporarily.

Criticism from Minority Leader

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin criticized Ayariga for not addressing pressing national issues raised by Dr. Forson's statement.

He expressed disappointment over the lack of policy direction regarding a proposed 24-hour economy initiative and questioned why job creation concerns were ignored.

Markin pointed out significant allocations made towards agriculture but noted most funds were designated for compensation rather than investment in agriculture itself.

He also criticized unfulfilled promises related to tax policies and women's banks while expressing frustration over delayed appointments of deputy ministers.

“This budget is a disappointment,” he declared firmly.