Accra, Ghana – Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Ghana’s Minister for Finance, today addressed Parliament, refuting suggestions that the nation’s recent economic gains are a result of government under-spending. The Minister asserted that the government is actively spending and directing investments to crucial sectors, detailing approximately GHS 114 billion in expenditures over the past six months.
Among the significant disbursements highlighted by Dr. Forson was a US$700 million Eurobond payment and GHS 10 billion paid to domestic bondholders. He also reported substantial allocations to key public services, including GHS 2.9 billion to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), GHS 9.1 billion to the energy sector to ensure stable power supply, and GHS 5 billion towards clearing arrears.
Further emphasizing the government’s commitment to social programs and education, the Minister cited GHS 2.9 billion paid to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), GHS 1 billion for the Free Secondary Education program, and GHS 122.8 million for BECE registration.
Healthcare received significant attention with GHS 2.7 billion paid to the National Health Insurance Scheme and an additional GHS 1.4 billion for National Health Insurance claims, alongside GHS 252 million for vaccines and essential medicines.
Other notable payments included GHS 72.8 million for Capitation Grants, GHS 477 million to LEAP beneficiaries, and GHS 895 million for the School Feeding Programme. Allowances for teacher training, nursing training, and assembly members also saw payments of GHS 52 million, GHS 369.9 million, and GHS 25 million respectively. The Minister also mentioned GHS 21 million for the National Apprenticeship Programme and GHS 34.5 million for the Adwumawura Programme. Additionally, GHS 2 billion was expended on goods and services to maintain government machinery, and another GHS 2 billion was injected to rescue the National Investment Bank (NIB).
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
