Finance Ministry rejects claim it withheld ABFA data from PIAC

The Ministry of Finance has dismissed allegations that it concealed information on the use of the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) from the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC). A statement released on October 23, 2026, confirmed that the Ministry had provided PIAC with petroleum receipts and distribution data, as well as explanations of the rules governing the use of ABFA funds, including those earmarked for the Accra–Kumasi Expressway.

This clarification came after PIAC released a statement on October 21 claiming that ABFA utilization data was omitted from its 2026 Semi-Annual Report. The Ministry emphasized that PIAC's exclusion of ABFA information should not be interpreted as evidence of information withholding. Officials engaged with PIAC during a virtual validation workshop and in-person meetings to explain petroleum revenue receipts, distribution, and the ABFA utilization process.

Regarding the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, the Ministry cited paragraph 572 of the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review, stating that all funds allocated to the project, including the total ABFA generated in 2026, have been earmarked. These funds will be utilized for construction once the contract is awarded. The Ministry defended its decision, citing PIAC's recommendation to avoid allocating petroleum revenues to numerous low-impact projects.

Instead, it aimed to channel resources into a major infrastructure investment with significant national benefits and cost-efficiency. The Ministry also rejected claims that District Assemblies had been deprived of their ABFA share, noting that the five percent allocated to the District Assemblies Common Fund is paid from the Consolidated Fund.

Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies have not, therefore, been disadvantaged by the decision to ring-fence ABFA funds for the expressway, according to the statement. The Ministry reaffirmed its dedication to supplying PIAC with the necessary information to fulfill its responsibilities and to publicly account for petroleum revenues, promising continued publication of relevant details in subsequent fiscal reports.