First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has issued a warning, indicating that Parliament may take action against the Finance Ministry if it fails to provide clarity on its outstanding debt to the District Assembly Common Fund worth GHC6 billion.
The concern arose following revelations made by Benjamin Kpodo, the Member of Parliament for Ho Central, regarding the Finance Ministry’s debt of over GH¢6 billion to the District Assembly Common Fund due to irregular fund disbursements.
Despite assurances from Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei-Asare regarding the government’s commitment to settling these arrears, Osei-Owusu insists on concrete evidence and a reconciliation of financial figures.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Osei-Owusu has requested a comprehensive report by the end of June.
He emphasized the importance of promptly resolving these outstanding arrears to ensure the efficient meeting of the financial needs of the assemblies.
“I have heard from the Minister of Finance designate, but I require evidence and assurance that the figures provided by Kpodo and the Ministry of Finance have been reconciled.
“Otherwise, we may need to take action against the Finance Ministry. When it comes to the Common Fund, we must assert our authority as a House.
“Therefore, we anticipate receiving a report, and by the end of June, we expect all arrears to be accounted for and sufficient funds to be disbursed to the assemblies.”