Don’t award gov’t contracts without my approval-Ato Forson

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, has issued a directive. Public officers must not award government contracts without approval from the Ministry.

He stated that every contract needs commencement authorization. He emphasized, “No commencement certificate, no procurement.”

“This is not business as usual,” he said. This step aims to enforce fiscal discipline and ensure accountability. It also seeks to end financial recklessness in public administration.

Dr. Forson spoke at a meeting with Chief Directors and senior officials in Accra. He noted that this directive aligns with the amended Public Financial Management Act of 2025.

The Minister clarified that this is a legal requirement, not just bureaucracy. Any breach of this directive will have serious consequences. The Ministry of Finance will no longer bear the burden of fiscal indiscipline alone.

“If you are a principal spending officer and violate this directive, you will be held personally accountable,” he warned.

Dr. Forson urged public officials to act with integrity and national duty. He called on them to avoid subjecting citizens to hardship through negligence or misuse of resources.

“Restoring trust in public service begins with transparency, responsibility, and discipline,” he concluded.