The Minority Caucus in Parliament has raised concerns over what it describes as questionable year-end public spending, citing a GH₵4.5 billion transfer to GOLDBOD in the final 48 hours of the 2025 financial year and a sharp increase in financial infractions recorded by the Auditor-General.

Contributing to a debate on the floor of Parliament, former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Abena Osei Asare argued that increased public spending goes with stronger accountability and internal controls.

She noted that although government increased allocations to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) by GH₵3 billion, the Auditor-General’s report showed a significant rise in financial irregularities.

According to her, the infractions increased from GH₵18 million to GH₵134 million in 2025, underscoring the need for stricter oversight rather than simply increasing funding.

“You don’t just give the monies but you also strengthen internal controls,” she told the House, urging government to pay equal attention to accountability mechanisms.

Ms Osei Asare also questioned the timing of a GH₵4.5 billion transfer to GoldBod, saying the funds were released in December, just two days before the close of the financial year.

She argued that the late transfer raises concerns about budget execution and transparency, asking why such a substantial amount was disbursed at the very end of the fiscal year.

The Atiwa East MP further cited the International Monetary Fund’s sixth review of Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility programme, claiming the Bank of Ghana’s expenditure of nearly US$900 million on the domestic gold purchase programme through GoldBod resulted in a breach of one of the programme’s performance criteria.

According to her, the IMF subsequently granted Ghana a waiver of non-observance relating to the ceiling on Bank of Ghana claims on central government, enabling the country to successfully complete the sixth review.

She maintained that the development highlights the importance of prudent fiscal management and adherence to agreed programme targets.

The Minority is therefore calling for greater transparency in public expenditure, stronger internal controls across State institutions, and clearer explanations for major end-of-year financial transactions.

Government, the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana and GoldBod are yet to publicly respond to the issues raised during the parliamentary debate.