NDC Chairman pushes back on spending criticism, says gov’t will pay for work done

National Democratic Congress (NDC) chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has dismissed criticism over the government's expenditure levels, asserting that funds will only be released following proper completion of projects. His remarks come after concerns were raised that the government's spending, which is significantly lower than its budgetary allocation, has contributed to recent economic stability.

During an interview on JoyNews' PM Express, Asiedu Nketiah explained that the government strictly follows the procurement process before releasing payments. According to him, significant time is spent on procurement, which prevents immediate spending. "We haven't reached the end of the year yet. Procurement takes time, but without it, you can't spend," he stated.

He further elaborated that the early stages of projects are often marked by procurement procedures, implying that actual payments will follow once contracts are awarded and work commences. "After procurement, performance begins, certificates are issued, and then payments are made," he added.

Asiedu Nketiah argued that the amount already spent, approximately GH¢6 billion, should not be viewed as negligible. He emphasized that as projects progress and certifications are obtained, payments will inevitably increase. "I believe that even 6 billion is not too small. As work gets done and we approach the year's end, you will have certificates to honor," he noted.

The NDC chairman's response to critics suggests that their concerns would be different if the government lacked funds to execute projects. However, he maintained that spending should be guided by proper procedures and value for money. "If it's about the money not being available, it's a different story. But if it's about the money sitting there, but spending it is the issue, then we can spend 100 billion in one month, right?" he questioned.

Yet, Asiedu Nketiah stressed that government spending must be accountable and tied to results. "You need to spend it appropriately; there must be value for money. You must pay for work done," he reiterated. He also ruled out practices where contractors receive advance payments without delivering on their obligations. "We are not giving money for advance payment, mobilization payments, where people take the money and run away with. That's not what we are doing," he affirmed.

Asiedu Nketiah emphasized that the government's strategy is to ensure that contractors and service providers fulfill their commitments before receiving payment. "Perform, and we pay you, and that shouldn't be a problem."