Cassiel Ato Forson disburses GH₵24.8bn to statutory funds since January

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the government has successfully disbursed GH‵24.8 billion to various statutory funds since the start of January 2026. This significant financial release is intended to bolster essential services across the country, specifically targeting sectors such as education, healthcare, and local government infrastructure. According to the Minister, these payments have been made on time and in full, signaling a shift in fiscal management aimed at ensuring that critical national institutions receive their constitutionally and legally mandated allocations without the delays that characterized previous years.

The Minister highlighted that this disbursement marks a departure from the practices of the former administration under Nana Akufo-Addo. Dr. Forson emphasized that the current government, under President John Mahama, has moved to reverse the policy of capping statutory funds. By removing these caps, the government ensures that a greater proportion of tax revenues is directed toward the specific purposes for which the funds were established. This strategic shift is designed to enhance the operational efficiency of various agencies and provide the necessary capital for long-term development projects that had previously been constrained by limited funding.

The GH‵24.8 billion allocation is expected to have an immediate impact on the delivery of public services. In the education sector, the funds will support school infrastructure and academic resources, while in the health sector, the focus remains on improving facility operations and medical supplies. Furthermore, the timely release of funds to local development projects is anticipated to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to execute community-based initiatives more effectively. Minister Forson noted that the government's commitment to these statutory obligations is central to its broader economic agenda of inclusive growth.

As the government continues its fiscal cycle, the Ministry of Finance maintains its commitment to sustaining the momentum of these payments. Dr. Forson reiterated that the prompt release of statutory funds is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring the stability of the nation's social safety nets. Moving forward, the government intends to maintain this disciplined approach to financial management, prioritizing the needs of Ghanaians by ensuring that every cedi allocated for statutory purposes is utilized to improve the quality of life across the country.