The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced plans to establish a dedicated Compliance Desk within the Ministry of Finance to enforce the newly amended Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, 2025.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline, particularly among government institutions that continue to award contracts without the required commencement certificates. According to Dr. Forson, such practices have led to inefficiencies and contributed to budget shortfalls.
A key amendment to the PFM Act now gives the ministry the authority to issue commencement authorisations—a significant step toward tightening oversight and ensuring proper budget implementation.
Speaking during a meeting with the World Bank Africa team, led by Vice President Ousmane Diagana, Dr. Forson explained that the new Compliance Desk will serve as a regulatory unit within the Ministry, responsible for monitoring adherence to financial laws and internal policies. It will work to prevent violations, enforce existing rules, and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
The Compliance Desk will also introduce a Compliance League Table, which will publicly rank institutions based on their level of compliance with financial regulations. This public ranking is intended to promote transparency and motivate institutions to follow best practices.
“Persistent non-compliance will attract sanctions,” the minister warned, emphasizing that the government will no longer tolerate fiscal recklessness. He reiterated the government’s dedication to transparent and efficient public financial management.
“We are determined to ensure that every programme we implement delivers maximum efficiency and impact,” Dr. Forson stated. “This is how we build a disciplined and prosperous Ghana.”
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Story by: Cindy Selasi Humade | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by: Kuuku Osei Baidoo
