Wednesday, 25 March

Parliament passes Value for Money Bill

News
Parliament of Ghana

Parliament has passed the Value for Money Office Bill, 2026, clearing the path for the creation of a new institution aimed at strengthening oversight of public spending and procurement processes.

The Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, on February 24,2026 who laid the Bill before the House described it as a bold step toward addressing long-standing weaknesses in Ghana’s public financial management.

Addressing lawmakers, he noted that the legislation is designed to confront recurring issues including overpriced contracts, stalled projects, budget overruns, and inefficient use of state resources.

The proposed Value for Money Office will function as an autonomous body with a defined technical role. Its core duties will involve conducting thorough assessments of project value, issuing compulsory certification for major contracts before approval, tracking adherence to established standards, and applying penalties where breaches occur.

According to Dr. Forson, the institution is expected to drive greater fiscal discipline, improve project execution, and ensure that public investments translate into real benefits for citizens.

Source: Classfmonline.com/Zita Okwang