Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has hit the ground running, describing his return to the Ministry as both an honor and an opportunity to serve the country.
Dr. Forson, who was welcomed warmly by staff and officials at the Ministry, pledged to lead a collective effort to address the country’s fiscal challenges and improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians.
Speaking during his first official engagement at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Forson acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead but expressed confidence in the expertise and dedication of the Ministry’s staff. “Serving at the Ministry of Finance is a privilege often underestimated,” he said. “We are here to work together to better the lot of the people of Ghana, and we will be mindful of their needs in every decision we take.”
A familiar face returns
Dr. Forson’s appointment marks a return to familiar grounds, having served at the Ministry eight years ago as Deputy Minister before transitioning into legislative leadership as Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee
. Accompanied by the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey who himself was a Deputy Minister for Finance between 2009 and 2013, and a team policy experts from the Majority Secretariat in Parliament, Dr. Forson emphasized his deep understanding of the Ministry’s critical issues.
“Having served as Ranking Member, I am very familiar with the pressing challenges facing the Ministry, from debt service pressures to delays in implementing key systems like GIFMIS and HRMIS,” he noted. “Our key agenda will include equipping new appointees with the tools to manage public finances responsibly. This is a task I will take up immediately.”
Dr. Forson also reassured staff of his commitment to collaboration. “The Ministry of Finance has always been a place of loyalty and dedication, and I look forward to working with all of you to deliver on our collective mandate,” he added.
Tackling Immediate Challenges
The Chief Director of the Ministry, Eva Mends, provided an overview of the Ministry’s current state, highlighting recent achievements and systemic and functional challenges such as energy sector shortfalls, delays in full implementation of digital financial systems, and high debt servicing costs.
In response, Dr. Forson emphasized his focus on ensuring fiscal discipline and preparing for the upcoming financial obligations. He stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement and transparent financial management, underscoring the Ministry’s role as the backbone of government operations.
Support the Minister to deliver
Fiifi Kwetey, in his brief address to the staff urged them to support Dr. Forson wholeheartedly. He said the Ministry of Finance is the heart of every government and for it to function optimally, all hands must be on deck.
“The task ahead requires dedication, creativity, and hard work. I can confidently say that the Finance Ministry is one of the best places to work, thanks to the loyalty and commitment of its staff,” he said.
Dr. Forson announced plans to establish a Fiscal Institute aimed at training heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to strengthen Public Financial Management (PFM).
This initiative, he explained, would build institutional capacity and ensure appointees are well-equipped to make sound financial decisions.
He concluded with a call to action, reiterating his commitment to addressing Ghana’s pressing fiscal issues and ensuring that the President’s vision for economic recovery and growth is realized. “Together, we will deliver results that Ghanaians can be proud of,” he declared.
