Ghana's Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has confirmed that the government has spent GHS 6.5 billion on the flagship Big Push infrastructure programme. This expenditure represents 21.6% of the GHS 30 billion allocated for the initiative this year. Dr. Forson stated emphatically that contractors working on these projects are not currently owed any money.
The Minister explained that payments to contractors are strictly tied to the completion of work and the verification of submitted certificates. He clarified that the GHS 6.5 billion already disbursed covers all certified work that has undergone the necessary approval and payment processes. This approach ensures that funds are released only for completed and validated stages of projects.
This spending pattern fits into Ghana's broader public finance management strategy, which prioritizes fiscal discipline and efficient resource allocation. The Big Push programme, designed to accelerate infrastructure development, is a critical component of the government's economic growth agenda. Delays in expenditure could impact the timely delivery of key projects, affecting economic activity and job creation.
Speaking on JoyNews' PM Express on Wednesday, July 23, Dr. Forson addressed concerns about the relatively low expenditure. He stated, "All certificates for Big Push has been processed and paid for. And so until certificate comes to you, you cannot spend on it." This highlights the government's commitment to paying contractors promptly once their work is certified.
Looking ahead, Dr. Forson anticipates a significant acceleration in spending during the third and fourth quarters of the year. He expects more projects to reach completion milestones, leading to an increase in certified payment requests. This projected increase is crucial for meeting the programme's annual expenditure targets and delivering the intended infrastructure benefits.
The Finance Minister further detailed the rigorous payment process. Certificates first undergo verification by the relevant road agency, such as Urban Roads, before being approved by the Ministry of Roads and Highways. Only then are they forwarded to the Ministry of Finance for final processing and payment. This multi-layered verification system aims to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure accountability.
Dr. Forson emphasized that the funds approved by Parliament for the Big Push programme are ring-fenced. This means they cannot be diverted for any other purpose, ensuring dedicated funding for infrastructure development. "I cannot use that money for something else. I can only spend it on Big Push projects of which Parliament has approved," he affirmed.
Despite the current expenditure level, the government reports encouraging progress on several projects. Dr. Forson cited the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, where the Ghana Armed Forces has cleared 176 kilometres of the road corridor. This progress indicates that the Big Push initiative is advancing, albeit with a payment schedule tied to work completion.
The government's adherence to a strict payment-on-certification model aims to prevent the accumulation of arrears, a common challenge in public sector contracting. This approach provides transparency and predictability for contractors, fostering confidence in the government's commitment to its financial obligations. The timely completion of these infrastructure projects is vital for Ghana's long-term economic development and competitiveness.