Finance minister meets Syrian counterpart

The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has instructed Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to allocate a minimum of 20 percent of their Internally Generated Funds (IGF) towards capital projects that directly benefit the citizens. This directive was conveyed during a meeting in Tamale, aimed at evaluating the MMDAs' performance, revising their development priorities, and translating government policies into practical, well-planned programs.

The sessions witnessed the presentation of composite budgets by the MMDAs in the Northern Region, which included updates on their 2026 budgets, projected revenues and expenditures, identified development priorities, ongoing initiatives, and proposed actions for the fiscal period from 2027 to 2030. Dr Forson emphasized the importance of utilizing the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS Budget Module) to prioritize existing projects with outstanding financial commitments before approving new ones.

He urged MMDAs to ensure their budget proposals fit within the approved financial limits, accurately estimate revenue and expenditure, and enhance the utilization of the 24-Hour Economy initiative.

Furthermore, Dr Forson directed that all procurement procedures should be conducted via the Ghana Electronic Procurement System, and encouraged MMDAs and Regional Coordinating Councils to integrate relevant HIV interventions into their development plans. He highlighted that budget proposals must include clear, measurable outcomes, directly enhancing the lives of citizens.

Mr Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, Acting Chief Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, expressed appreciation for the MMDAs' dedication to this process.