Govt will Strengthen Fiscal Mgmt
– By fully equipping appointees & key officials – Finance Minister
NEWLY-APPOINTED Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening fiscal management and accountability.
Speaking during his first day in office at the Ministry of Finance yesterday, Dr. Forson reiterated the President’s directive to ensure that all appointees and key officials are fully prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage public finances responsibly.
“Fiscal responsibility must be at the heart of governance, and we will introduce targeted training programs to achieve it,” he stated.
Dr. Forson announced plans to establish a Fiscal Institute to provide specialized training for heads of MDAs, MMDAs, SOEs, and other public sector institutions.
The Institute, he explained, will focus on enhancing training on Public Financial Management (PFM) practices to strengthen accountability and transparency in the use of public resources.
Dr. Forson’s assumption of office comes at a critical time for Ghana’s economy, which has in recent times grappled with rising debt levels, energy sector shortfalls, rising inflation and currency instability.
During his first meeting with Ministry staff, he acknowledged the gravity of the task ahead but emphasized his experience and readiness to tackle the challenge head-on, in a collaborative manner.
“As a former Deputy Minister of Finance and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee, I am familiar with the critical issues facing this Ministry,” he said.
“Our immediate tasks include honouring upcoming debt service obligations, observing the performance criteria under the IMF-ECF programme, and finalizing the terms of the World Bank Development Policy Operations (DPO).
Dr. Forson stressed the need for collaboration and innovation to achieve these objectives, adding, “We must be creative and dedicated in our approach, keeping the needs of Ghanaians at the centre of every decision we make.”
He said his vision for the Ghanaian economy centres on improving economic stability and enhancing the lives of Ghanaians through job creation, fiscal discipline, exchange rate stability, and inflation control.
“Serving at this ministry is a privilege and a responsibility that I do not take lightly,” he said. “We are here to deliver results for the people of Ghana, and we will do so with dedication and purpose.”
On behalf of the staff of Ministry of Finance, Chief Director, Ms Eva Mends, pledged their full support towards ensuring the success of the new minister. “MOF staff will support you and work with you tirelessly to ensure that you deliver on the mandate entrusted to you by the His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana,” she declared.
