Some contractors took the money but did no work – Finance Minister orders forensic audit into 55 stalled projects
The Ministry of Finance has ordered a forensic audit into 55 stalled government projects after discovering that some contractors had accessed funds from external loans without carrying out the corresponding work.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson made the disclosure during the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 24, 2025.
According to Dr Forson, the audit, being conducted by the Auditor-General in partnership with one of the Big Four accounting firms, will examine how the disbursed funds were used, particularly in cases where physical progress on the ground does not match the financial drawdowns.
“Mr Speaker, it has come to the attention of the Ministry of Finance that a number of contractors implementing some of these 55 stalled projects have drawn down on the loans with no work done to match the amount drawn,” Dr Forson told the House.
He added that some contractors had also submitted variation requests and cost increases that exceed what was approved by Parliament, despite clear instructions not to alter project scopes.
“There is no room for an increase in scope for any of the projects on the priority list, as agreed with the IMF and the Official Creditors Committee,” he said. “Implementing agencies must take note and comply accordingly.”
The audit follows the government’s decision to resume disbursements on selected infrastructure projects under Ghana’s debt restructuring programme. Only projects that are more than 70 per cent complete have been cleared to continue, in line with a strategy to deliver results within limited fiscal space.
The forensic audit is expected to uncover instances of mismanagement, possible procurement violations, and unjustified payments. Findings will guide further actions, including possible sanctions, recovery of funds, or referral for criminal investigation.
Dr Forson said the Ministry would present a detailed report to Parliament once the audit is complete and would outline any recommended actions.
