“Ato Forson’s Refusal To Spend Has Halted Critical Road Projects” – Abena Osei-Asare

Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Abena Osei-Asare, has accused the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, of stalling key infrastructure projects due to what she described as a “refusal to release funds.”

Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Hon. Osei-Asare said delays in fund releases by the Ministry of Finance are directly responsible for the slowdown on major road constructions across the country.

“Ato Forson’s refusal to spend means critical road constructions have come to a halt,” she stated.

According to her, contractors working on several trunk roads, feeder roads, and urban road projects have abandoned sites because payment certificates have not been honored for months.

“These are not new projects. These are ongoing roads that communities depend on for trade, health, and education. When government refuses to spend, it is the ordinary Ghanaian in the Volta Region, Ashanti, Northern Region who suffers,” she added.

The MP for Atiwa East further called on the Finance Ministry to prioritize capital expenditure and clear arrears owed to contractors to get workers back on site.

In response, sources at the Ministry of Finance said government is undertaking a cash management review to ensure fiscal discipline, and that payments will be made in tranches based on available resources.

Road contractors associations have also in recent weeks raised concerns over delayed payments, warning that further delays could lead to layoffs and increased project costs.

Parliament is expected to take up the matter when it resumes sitting next week.

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