Over GH¢10 Billion Saved After Auditor General’s Independent
Validation Of Arrears And Commitments-Ato Forson
Government has rejected a total of GH¢10.4 billion in claims after commissioning the Auditor General to conduct an independent validation of arrears and commitments as at the end of 2024.
The amount was disallowed due to unsupported documentation, duplicate and recycled IPCs, inflated invoices, falsified stores receipts, and instances of no work done.
Of the rejected amount, GH¢1 billion comprised Bank Transfer Advices that had already been approved and were ready for payment.
The figure is part of GH¢68.8 billion marked as outstanding arrears and payables comprising GH¢50.5 billion in unpaid invoices and interim payment certificates (IPCs) and GH¢18.3 billion in outstanding Bank Transfer Advice (BTAs).
Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, made this known when he presented the 2026 budget statement to Parliament on Thursday November 13.
He indicated that “an additional GH¢8.6 billion remains under review, pending further validation due to inadequate documentation, missing third-party confirmations, and lack of supporting contracts. 153. These yet-to-be-validated claims may exist in part, but further evidence will be required before they can be recognised as legitimate obligations of the State.”
According to him, the special audit perfumed jointly with PwC and EY, covered all verified arrears and commitments as at end-2024.
He said the audit has not only saved the nation billions in potential losses but also restored accountability, strengthened expenditure controls, and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline and transparency.
The objective, was for government to establish the legitimacy of the claims, identify irregularities, and address the fiscal risks arising from the accumulation of arrears and outstanding commitments.
“Without this audit, those funds would have been disbursed, underscoring the importance of vigilance and verification” indicating an “amount of GH¢2 billion was reclassified from claims and BTAs to commitments”.
Speaking during the mid-year budget presentation, earlier this year, Dr Forson hinted about the exercise which was underway and promised to present it to Parliament when completed.
The audit was in line with the government’s commitment and pledge to protect the public purse and ensure value for money.
Describing it as troubling and damning, the Minister said the audit report has now been completed, and the Auditor-General is finalising the report for submission to Parliament.
By Gifty Boateng