No contract approvals without commencement authorisation – Finance Minister

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced a new directive.

Starting April 3, 2025, no government contract will be approved without prior authorisation from the Ministry of Finance.

He shared this information at a meeting with Chief Directors and senior officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Dr. Forson emphasized that unchecked contract approvals are now over.

“You cannot award contracts without the express approval of the Ministry of Finance,” he stated.

“No commencement certificate means no procurement,” he added.

Every government contract must now obtain commencement authorisation, according to the Minister.

This change is not just administrative; it is a legal requirement under the Amended Public Financial Management Act, 2025.

Dr. Forson warned that breaching this directive will have serious consequences.

“The Ministry of Finance will no longer take the fall for fiscal indiscipline,” he said.

He urged all public officials to maintain high standards of integrity and patriotism in managing public funds.

“We are among the privileged few,” Dr. Forson noted.

He stressed that poor governance and financial mismanagement should not continue to burden citizens.

Ghana’s path to fiscal responsibility starts with strict adherence to budget processes, transparency, and accountability at all government levels.