The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has disclosed that the government has prevented the payment of GH¢4.4 billion in fraudulent claims that had already been settled between 2020 and 2024.

Addressing Parliament on Tuesday during the 21st Sitting of the First Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, Mr Ampem Nyarko explained that the claims were fraudulently resubmitted for payment despite having been previously settled.

“Mr Speaker, claims amounting to GH¢4.4 billion, which had already been paid between 2020 and 2024, were fraudulently resubmitted for payment,” he told the House.

According to him, the recycled claims originated from several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He said the Ministry of Roads and Highways accounted for the largest portion, with GH¢3.6 billion, followed by the Ministry of Health with GH¢384.8 million and the Ministry of Energy with GH¢216.7 million.

Other institutions cited included the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, which accounted for GH¢57 million, the Ministry of Defence with GH¢40.9 million, Independent Power Producers with GH¢36.4 million, the Ministry of Finance with GH¢26.4 million, and the Ministry of Interior with GH¢3.1 million.

Mr Ampem Nyarko noted that government vigilance prevented a significant financial loss to the state.

“Mr Speaker, but for our vigilance, the Ghanaian taxpayer would have lost a colossal GH¢4.4 billion in these recycled claims,” he said.

He further disclosed that the audit uncovered serious gaps in record-keeping among MDAs, with several institutions unable to provide accurate details of contracts awarded, payments made, and outstanding obligations.

“Shockingly, the Government of Ghana was at the mercy of contractors and suppliers to determine how much is owed to them,” he stated.

The Deputy Minister therefore called for an urgent review and redesign of the country’s Public Financial Management (PFM) architecture to strengthen oversight and ensure effective management of public funds.

“This calls for an urgent review, redesign, and implementation of an appropriate PFM architecture to manage public funds,” he added.