The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has revealed that a recent audit of government arrears and payables uncovered GH¢68.7 billion in outstanding claims, of which GH¢8.1 billion were rejected due to irregularities.

According to the ministry, the audit exposes significant weaknesses in Ghana’s public financial management system.

The audit, conducted by the Ghana Audit Service in partnership with EY and PwC, reviewed unpaid Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), invoices, and Bank Transfer Advices (BTAs). Of the total amount submitted, GH¢45.4 billion was validated for payment, GH¢8.1 billion rejected, and GH¢13.3 billion remains pending verification.

The review identified multiple issues, including unsupported documentation, duplications, overstatements, falsified stores receipts, and claims where no work had been carried out. GH¢2.01 billion was also reclassified from claims to commitments.

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“This is a report on the systemic plunder and abuse of the public financial management system. Something needed to be done to save our economy.”

Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, made the statement on behalf of Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson in Parliament on March 10, 2026.

The audit highlighted several high-profile cases, including GH¢89.4 million in fictitious BTAs under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative and overpayments under the Farmer Food Relief and Recovery Programme.

The Ministry has assured that stricter verification processes will be enforced to prevent misuse of public funds and ensure accountability across all government ministries, departments, and agencies.

MA