Business News of Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Source: classfmonline.com

Value for Money Bill passed by Parliament

Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson laid the Bill before Parliament in Februar 2026 Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson laid the Bill before Parliament in Februar 2026

Parliament has passed the Value for Money Office Bill, 2026, clearing the path for the creation of a new institution aimed at strengthening oversight of public spending and procurement processes.

The Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, on February 24, 2026, who laid the Bill before the House, described it as a bold step toward addressing long-standing weaknesses in Ghana’s public financial management.

Addressing lawmakers, he noted that the legislation is designed to confront recurring issues, including overpriced contracts, stalled projects, budget overruns, and inefficient use of state resources.

The proposed Value for Money Office will function as an autonomous body with a defined technical role.

Its core duties will involve conducting thorough assessments of project value, issuing compulsory certification for major contracts before approval, tracking adherence to established standards, and applying penalties where breaches occur.

According to Dr Forson, the institution is expected to drive greater fiscal discipline, improve project execution, and ensure that public investments translate into real benefits for citizens.