Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the Mahama administration is undertaking a thorough review of all contracts and payment requests to ensure their legitimacy. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, addressing growing concerns about the authenticity of financial obligations and pending payments.

Dr. Forson emphasized that no payments have been made to any contractor since he assumed office. He specifically refuted allegations suggesting that he had authorized a payment to businessman and former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, for a contract purportedly executed during the previous administration.

In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Dr. Forson clarified the situation, stating, “Friends, since I took office, no contractor including Kennedy Agyapong has been paid a pesewa. We are currently conducting a comprehensive review of all contracts and payment requests to verify their legitimacy. Please disregard any claims suggesting that I have authorized payment to Kennedy Ohene Agyapong or any other contractor. Thank You!”

The Finance Minister’s statement comes in response to circulating rumors and misinformation that had created public anxiety and speculation. By setting the record straight, Dr. Forson aims to reassure citizens that the government remains committed to upholding financial prudence and avoiding unwarranted expenditures.

The comprehensive review process will involve meticulous scrutiny of all contractual agreements and associated payment requests. This exercise will include verifying contract authenticity, assessing compliance with procurement laws, and evaluating the execution status of awarded projects. The goal is to detect and eliminate any potential fraudulent claims while protecting the state’s financial interests.

Dr. Forson also urged the general public to be cautious of misleading information and to rely only on verified communications from official government channels. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, emphasizing that any legitimate payments will only be made following the thorough vetting process.

The Finance Ministry’s initiative aligns with broader governance reforms intended to build public trust and ensure responsible fiscal management. As the review progresses, the ministry has promised to keep the public informed and provide updates on significant developments.

By taking a firm stance against unauthorized payments and emphasizing due diligence, Dr. Forson and the Mahama administration are demonstrating their dedication to fostering a transparent, accountable, and efficient financial management system.