Gov’t fully disburses all statutory funds for Q1 2025 – Finance Minister

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that all statutory funds due for the first quarter of 2025 have been fully and promptly released, marking what he described as a turning point in the government’s adherence to its fiscal responsibilities.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, June 3, Dr. Forson said the transfers reflect a renewed commitment by the administration to transparent and timely public financial management.

“I’m pleased to report that under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, and the NDC, for the first time in several months, transfers to all Statutory Funds have been made promptly and in full. Mr. Speaker, we have not just made them but also in full,” he told the House.

He detailed that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has been allocated over GH¢2.7 billion for the months of January through March to support ongoing education initiatives, including the Free Senior High School programme.

“Similarly, the GETFUND has received a total of two billion, seven hundred and ten million, two hundred and twenty-seven thousand nine hundred and forty-seven Ghana cedis, for the months of January, February and March. All transferred and received by the GETFUND,” he said.

Turning to the health sector, Dr. Forson reported that the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has also received its full allocation for the first quarter, totaling over GH¢2 billion.

“Notably, all transfers due to the NHI fund for the period covering January, February and March have been paid in full. A total amount of two billion, thirty-three million, four hundred and sixty-nine thousand, six hundred and seven Ghana cedis has been disbursed to the NHI fund, and they have received the funds,” he added.

According to the Minister, the prompt release of funds has enabled the National Health Insurance Scheme to clear outstanding payments to healthcare providers and strengthen key programmes aimed at improving access to healthcare services.

“These disbursements have enabled the NHI Scheme to settle arrears owed to health care providers and to implement the free primary healthcare and the Ghana Medical Care Trust Programme otherwise known as MahamaCares,” he said.

Dr. Forson concluded by reaffirming that these disbursements signal a broader shift toward responsible governance and deeper investment in essential public services under the Mahama administration.