The Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has signalled a decisive new approach to safeguarding public finances, declaring that accountability “will no longer be optional” as the government moves to implement the recommendations of the 2024 Audit Report.

He gave the assurance during a meeting with Chief Directors and senior audit officials from ministries, departments and agencies.

Dr Ato Forson expressed concern about what he described as persistent financial waste within the public sector, warning that it undermines confidence in Ghana’s governance and economic stability.

“Persistent waste sends the wrong signal about our nation and risks undermining the peace, stability and confidence we have all worked so hard to restore,” he cautioned.

The Minister stressed that many of the infractions identified in audit reports are avoidable and urged public sector leaders to treat the issue with renewed seriousness.

“We cannot continue to lose scarce national resources through completely avoidable infractions. Ghana truly deserves better,” he said, urging the officials to reduce financial breaches “to the barest minimum.”

Dr Ato Forson also reminded the gathering that government has now established specialised financial and economic courts, designed to prosecute breaches of the country’s financial laws swiftly and effectively.

Their existence, he noted, forms part of a broader effort to instil discipline in public financial management. “This is a new chapter. Accountability will no longer be optional,” he declared.

Reiterating his commitment to protecting the public purse, Dr Ato Forson emphasised that responsible financial stewardship is not merely a bureaucratic obligation but a national duty.

“Discipline in public financial management is not just a requirement. It is a duty we owe to every Ghanaian,” he stated, urging all officials to rise to the challenge.