Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has unveiled a series of decisive cost-cutting measures to curb government spending and promote prudent financial management.
Speaking during a meeting with World Bank Division Director Robert Taliercio O’Brien and his team, Dr. Forson reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to fiscal discipline under its IMF-supported programme.
He acknowledged past financial challenges, including the struggle to achieve even a 0.5% primary surplus, but emphasized the government’s unwavering focus on stability.
“We are taking firm action to eliminate unnecessary expenditures across all sectors,” Dr. Forson stated.
Leading by example, he declared an end to non-essential conference travel, significantly reducing delegation sizes.
“The era of free, excessive government travel is over. Moving forward, three officials must accomplish the work of ten, ensuring efficiency without compromising productivity,” he added.
Key cost-cutting measures include major budget reductions, notably within the Office of the President.
Dr. Forson stressed that these steps will help channel public funds into essential projects that drive economic growth and improve citizens’ lives.
While welcoming the World Bank’s continued support for Ghana’s education sector reforms, he underscored the government’s priority of maintaining a disciplined and sustainable financial path to reassure investors and development partners.