We must account for every cedi entrusted to us as public officials – Ato Forson

Ghana's Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has emphasized the importance of public officials accounting for every cedi entrusted to them, as well as improving financial management systems to curb financial irregularities. He stated that the pursuit of recovering misappropriated or unaccounted-for public resources should not be an annual occurrence, urging the creation of systems that prevent such issues from arising in the first place.

During a discussion of the Auditor-General's Report, attended by regional ministers and metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, Dr Forson reminded officials that they are merely custodians of state resources, not owners, and are responsible for managing them in the best interest of the Ghanaian people. He emphasized that public money does not belong to government officials; it belongs to the people of Ghana.

Forson called on officials to ensure that all recoverable public funds are retrieved and every cedi placed in their care is properly accounted for. He stressed that accountability should extend beyond just recovering funds after financial irregularities have taken place. He urged public institutions to enhance their financial management and oversight mechanisms to safeguard public resources and reduce the recurrence of such cases. "Let us build systems where recovery becomes the exception, not an annual ritual," he said.