Cassiel Ato Forson announces GH‵24.8bn payment to statutory funds

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has confirmed that the government disbursed GH‵24.8 billion to various statutory funds between January and September 2026. This significant financial injection is designed to bolster essential services across the country, specifically targeting sectors such as education, healthcare, road maintenance, and local government operations. The announcement underscores the administration's commitment to ensuring that critical agencies receive their allocations on time and in full, moving away from historical challenges of funding delays.

The funds have been distributed among several key institutions and national programs. Notable beneficiaries include the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and the Free Senior High School (FSHS) program. Additionally, the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and resources for road maintenance have been prioritized. Dr. Forson emphasized that these payments represent a marked improvement over previous fiscal cycles where statutory funds often faced significant arrears and the practice of capping, which previously hindered the ability of institutions to meet their mandates.

According to the Finance Minister, the timely release of these funds is a strategic shift intended to empower state institutions to plan and execute their projects with greater efficiency. By providing financial predictability, the government aims to eliminate the disruptions that have historically plagued educational institutions and healthcare providers. The latest disbursement coincides with the release of funds for the third quarter of 2026, ensuring that the momentum for infrastructure development and social interventions remains steady through the final months of the year.

The government's focus on meeting these statutory obligations is expected to have a direct impact on the quality of public services available to Ghanaians. With the GH‵24.8 billion already allocated, local assemblies are better positioned to resume pending development projects, and the NHIF can more effectively manage its obligations to service providers. Dr. Forson’s announcement serves as a reaffirmation of the government’s fiscal policy prioritizing social safety nets and local level development.