Financial irregularities plummet by 62.9% as state tightens fiscal controls

Ghana's pursuit of fiscal responsibility and accountability has reached a significant milestone, with financial irregularities falling by an impressive 62.9 percent across five key economic sectors, according to Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem. The total financial misconducts dropped from approximately GH¢20.72 billion in 2024 to GH¢7.69 billion in 2025, marking a substantial reduction of about GH¢13.03 billion.

This achievement surpassed the government's internal target of a 50 percent decrease in public sector financial irregularities by 2025, exceeding the set benchmark by a notable 12.9 percentage points. During a high-level consultative session on the 2025 Auditor-General's Reports, Mr Ampem highlighted the sharp decline as a testament to the effectiveness of public financial management (PFM) reforms.

Addressing senior officials, including Chief Directors, Chief Executive Officers, and Heads of Covered Entities, Mr Ampem commended the collective efforts of public institutions while stressing the importance of continued vigilance. He attributed the progress to targeted administrative actions aimed at addressing systemic loopholes, strengthening internal audit mechanisms, and ensuring compliance across government bodies.

Mr Nyarko Ampem emphasized that the improvement demonstrates that focused attention on public financial management, coupled with robust controls and accountability, can yield measurable results. The stakeholder meeting aimed to identify persistent weaknesses outlined in the Auditor-General's annual reports and establish clear responsibility for compliance among administrative heads.

Officials were urged to swiftly implement the Auditor-General's recommendations, rectify control deficiencies, and maintain strict adherence to prevent future financial misconducts in upcoming audit cycles.