A special audit commissioned by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has uncovered major discrepancies in arrears and outstanding commitments left by the previous administration, saving Ghana millions of cedis.
The audit scrutinized roughly GH¢70 billion in claims submitted by the former government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Findings revealed that only around GH¢50 billion were legitimate, while over GH¢10 billion in claims were deemed invalid, and another GH¢8 billion remains under review due to insufficient documentation.
Dr Ato Forson explained that the rejected claims involved duplicated or inflated invoices, falsified receipts, unsupported documents, and payments for work that was never completed. Notably, about GH¢1 billion had already been prepared for disbursement through bank transfers, which the audit prevented, highlighting the critical importance of oversight.
Additionally, GH¢2 billion of previously listed claims were reclassified as commitments pending proper validation. The Finance Minister stressed that these measures underscore the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, accountability, and ensuring that public funds are only used for genuine obligations.
