Financial irregularities drop 62.9% to GH¢7.69bn in 2025 — Nyarko Ampem

Financial irregularities recorded across five audited sectors in Ghana declined by 62.9 per cent, falling from approximately GH¢20.72 billion in 2024 to GH¢7.69 billion in 2025.

The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, announced the figures during an engagement on the 2025 Auditor-General’s Reports with Chief Directors, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Covered Entities.

According to the Deputy Minister, the reduction represents a decline of approximately GH¢13.03 billion and exceeds the government’s target of reducing financial irregularities by 50 per cent in 2025.

“This represents a reduction of approximately GH¢13.03 billion, or 62.9 per cent. This is a significant achievement,” Mr Nyarko Ampem said.

He noted that the 62.9 per cent reduction exceeded the government’s target by 12.9 percentage points, describing the development as evidence of improving public financial management.

Mr Nyarko Ampem attributed the decline to increased attention to public financial management, stronger internal controls and greater accountability within public institutions.

“This improvement demonstrates that when there is deliberate attention to public financial management, stronger controls and greater accountability, measurable results can be achieved,” he stated.

He said the figures demonstrate the importance of maintaining institutional discipline and strengthening systems designed to safeguard public resources.

The engagement focused on the findings contained in the Auditor-General’s Reports and the responsibilities of heads of public institutions in responding to identified financial weaknesses.

Chief Directors, Chief Executive Officers and heads of covered entities were urged to strengthen compliance mechanisms and take corrective measures to prevent identified irregularities from recurring.

The engagement also provided an opportunity to examine weaknesses identified through the Auditor-General’s audit processes and consider measures to improve financial governance across public institutions.

The government’s latest figures suggest a significant improvement in the management of public finances, although authorities are expected to sustain the reforms to ensure that the reduction in irregularities is maintained in subsequent years.

Mr Nyarko Ampem stressed the need for continued vigilance, stronger controls and accountability to consolidate the gains recorded in 2025.

The government’s performance against its 50 per cent reduction target also places greater emphasis on ensuring that the decline translates into lasting improvements in public financial management and the protection of public funds.