The Ministry of Finance has announced the passage of the Public Financial Management (Amendment) Act, 2025, a landmark legislation aimed at bolstering fiscal discipline, accountability, and ensuring long-term economic stability in Ghana.
According to the sector, this comprehensive reform introduces stricter oversight mechanisms, enforces rigorous fiscal responsibility rules, and establishes an independent Fiscal Council to enhance transparency and compliance.
Key Reforms Introduced by the PFM (Amendment) Act, 2025:
1.Enhanced Sanctions for Fiscal Mismanagement:
•The Minister of Finance faces censure under Article 82 of the Constitution for any breaches of fiscal rules.
•Ministers of State and Heads of Covered Entities are subject to potential imprisonment for actions contributing to fiscal slippages.
2.New Fiscal Responsibility Measures:
•Implementation of a primary balance rule mandating an annual surplus of at least 1.5% of GDP on a commitment basis.
•Establishment of a public debt ceiling, capping the debt-to-GDP ratio at 45% by 2034 to ensure debt sustainability.
3.Creation of an Independent Fiscal Council:
•A legislated, autonomous Fiscal Council tasked with monitoring adherence to fiscal responsibility rules, thereby ensuring budget credibility and macroeconomic stability.
4.Strengthened Oversight and Accountability:
•Requirement for the Minister of Finance to obtain Parliamentary or Cabinet approval before suspending fiscal rules due to force majeure or unforeseen economic conditions.
5.Consolidation of Fiscal Management Laws:
•Unification of all fiscal rules under a single legal framework, eliminating redundancies and enhancing enforcement mechanisms.
The finance minister, Cassiel Ato Forson who announced this on his X account explained the roadmap of the enactment.
“With the enactment of this law, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2018 (Act 982) has been repealed, and the Presidential Fiscal Advisory Council dissolved, streamlining oversight under the newly established independent Fiscal Council.
“The passage of these critical reforms, well ahead of the September 2025 deadline for the IMF-supported program, demonstrates the Ministry of Finance’s unwavering commitment to restoring fiscal discipline, enhancing transparency, and securing Ghana’s long-term economic resilience,” he said.
He noted that the ministry remains dedicated to ensure full implementation of these laws and will collaborate closely with all stakeholders to uphold Ghana’s macroeconomic stability and prosperity.
