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The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Owusu, has warned the Finance Ministry of possible confrontation if it fails to provide clarity on its GH¢6 billion debt to the District Assembly Common Fund by the end of June 2024.
This warning comes after revelations by Benjamin Kpodo, the MP for Ho Central, about the Finance Ministry’s outstanding debt due to irregular fund disbursements.
Despite assurances from Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei-Asare regarding the government’s commitment to settle these arrears, Osei-Owusu is demanding tangible evidence and a reconciliation of financial figures.
Osei-Owusu emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for a comprehensive report by the end of June to ensure that the financial needs of the assemblies are met efficiently.
“I have listened to the Minister of Finance designate, but I want to see evidence and be satisfied that the figures put out by Kpodo and the Ministry of Finance have been reconciled. Otherwise, we will have to stand against the Ministry of Finance. Because when it comes to the Common Fund, we must assert our authority as a House.
“So, we are looking forward to a report, and I hope that by the end of June, we will have a report and all the arrears will be available, and the assemblies will get sufficient funds.”
