Gov't to cough up additional ?400m for EC

The government is expected to provide additional ₵400 million to close a funding gap for the Electoral Commission (EC) ahead of the November 2016 poll.

Deputy Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, disclosed government was unable to give the ₵1.2 billion requested by the Commission for the organisation of this year’s general election, resulting in the challenge.

“We have the Electoral Commission of Ghana saying that the electoral budget is going to cost ₵1.2 billion and in the budget, we have provision for ₵800 million clearly we have to look for additional money,” he said.

The deputy Finance Minister disclosed this on Monday, June 27, 2016, when he appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to answer some questions about the work of the ministry.

The deficit in the Commission’s budget has created confusion for the seven Commissioners who have warned their scheduled programme ahead of the election will be affected, hence, the need for an additional money.

The government is feverishly working at raising some additional ₵400 million to enable the Commission to go about its duties without difficulty, Mr Forson said.

The ministry, he said, is looking at savings from ministries, department and agencies to make up for the shortfall.

“The Minister of Finance will also be looking at making funds available in the event of a presidential run-off,” he said.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: [email protected]