Government has shrugged off mounting criticism of overspending, explaining the monies were used for developmental projects. The 2011 report by the Auditor General reveals most ministries spent over and above the budget allocated to them. The Energy Ministry, for instance spent 300 million cedis more than what was allocated it by government. Economic experts as well as the main opposition NPP have criticized the Mahama administration for not spending within the budget allocated to them. The Finance Ministry’s Chief Economist and Director in charge of research and forecasting, Kwabena Aku Afari also expressed frustration over the development. “It is something that happens every year” he said, adding something must be done by the appropriate authorities to resolve it. The issue took centre stage in Parliament yesterday as well, and the New Patriotic Party MPs demanded that government adheres to stricter fiscal discipline. But Information Minister Mahama Ayariga has justified the overspending. Speaking on MULTI TV’s AM Show, the minister explained the argument must no longer be about how much debt government has incurred but what the debt has been used for and the ability to pay back. He said the government has over the four years invested into major road infrastructure, including the Eastern and Western corridors, railways and other capital intensive projects. He is convinced the debts were put into good use and the country will reap the desired benefits from it.