Minority to push PFM amendment to stop unapproved spending — Oppong Nkrumah

Ranking Member on Parliament's Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah

The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has reiterated the Minority’s resolve to push for the passage of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Amendment Bill, 2026.

The proposed private member’s bill, nicknamed the “No Plan, No Cash” bill, seeks to block funding for projects that are not captured and certified under the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) strategic plan.

It targets ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), as well as metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), that undertake non-emergency projects outside approved national plans.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on the proposed legislation on Monday, March 2, Oppong Nkrumah said the amendment is designed to plug loopholes that allow public funds to be spent on uncertified projects.

“The nickname we’ve given to this bill is the ‘No Plan, No Cash’ bill. If it’s not in the plan, you won’t get any cash,” he stated.

He explained that under the current framework, there is room for institutions to embark on projects that may appear part of their routine mandate but have not been certified under the NDPC’s approved development plan.

According to the Ofoase-Ayirebi MP, this practice has led to significant spending outside the coordinated national strategy.

“This amendment seeks to deny the Ministry of Finance the opportunity to fund such projects and programmes. This is separate from contingencies or emergencies, but for regular programmes and projects that have not been included in the strategic plan and certified by the NDPC, the object of this bill is to deny funding until they are properly captured and approved,” he said.

Oppong Nkrumah expressed hope that the amendment would ensure that every cedi of public funds is spent in line with the National Development Plan, improving fiscal discipline and strengthening accountability in public financial management.