Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced a firm directive that no government contract shall be approved without prior commencement authorisation from the Ministry of Finance, effective 3rd April 2025. 

This move marks a significant shift towards reinforcing fiscal discipline and improving public financial management across all sectors of government.

Addressing Chief Directors and senior officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during a high-level meeting, Dr Forson issued a strong warning against the unauthorised awarding of contracts. 

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

“No commencement certificate, no procurement.”

Dr Forson explained that the directive is not merely a bureaucratic adjustment, but a legal requirement under the recently amended Public Financial Management Act, 2025. 

He cautioned that any breach of this new policy would result in serious repercussions. 

“The Ministry of Finance will no longer take the fall for fiscal indiscipline,” he stated, emphasising the need for accountability in the use of public funds.

The Minister called on all public servants to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, discipline, and patriotism in the management of the country’s resources. 

“We are among the privileged few. We cannot continue to subject our people to hardship through poor governance and financial mismanagement,” he declared. 

Dr Forson further underscored that Ghana’s journey towards fiscal stability begins with strict compliance with budgetary procedures, transparency, and responsible governance at all levels.