You’re in breach of the law – Minority warns Finance Minister over unpaid Common Fund

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 this is happening despite legal obligations and available funds.

Annoh-Dompreh stated that no money has been disbursed to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) or the National Health Insurance Fund this year. He called this a 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, not a penny has gone to the Assembly,” he added. “There’s a court ruling stating these payments should be made quarterly.”

While acknowledging reports about future fund releases, 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.

“Have taxes been collected? 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 services.

“There’s also a 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.

“For Common Fund, Assemblies need resources to execute their agenda,” he said. “Without it, they cannot effectively govern locally.”

“Health Insurance and GETFund are not being paid either,” he continued. “I want to know where all collected taxes are going.”

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