Minority accuses Finance Minister of breaking the law over unpaid statutory funds

The Minority in Parliament has criticized Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. They accuse him of violating Ghana’s financial laws. He has not released statutory funds nearly six months into the new administration.

Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh claims the Minister is starving key government institutions. He says there are legal obligations to release these funds, and money is available.

Annoh-Dompreh stated that no cedi has been disbursed to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) or the National Health Insurance Fund this year. He called this a clear violation of Act 936 of the Local Governance Act.

“The government is breaching Act 936,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh said. “Not even a penny has been paid in common funds this year.”

He noted that GHS 7.7 billion was allocated for the Common Fund in the 2025 budget, but none has been disbursed yet.

“It’s surprising that after almost six months, nothing has gone to the Assembly,” he added. “There’s a court ruling stating these payments should be made quarterly.”

While acknowledging reports that funds may be released next month, the Minority demands immediate action. They warn that delays are crippling local governance and healthcare delivery.

“We hear Dr. Ato Forson plans to pay next month,” he said, questioning why there is a delay. “Has the government collected taxes? Yes, they have.”

The Minority also raised concerns about non-payment of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). They say this threatens the sustainability of health insurance in Ghana.

“There’s also a fund called the Health Fund for our health needs,” Mr. Annoh-Dompreh explained. “9.92 billion was allocated, but no amount has been paid.”

He warned that delayed payments could collapse essential services and hinder national development efforts.

“Without Common Fund payments, Assemblies lack resources to fulfill their agendas,” he said. “If these funds aren’t released, local governance suffers.”

“Health Insurance isn’t being paid; GETFund isn’t being paid either,” he continued. “Where are all the taxes collected by this administration?”

The Minority plans to use every parliamentary tool available to compel compliance with financial laws and ensure timely release of statutory funds.