Government to spend 34.6 trillion cedis in 2005

Accra, March 18,GNA- Parliament on Friday passed the appropriation bill authorising government to spend 34.618 trillion cedis. The Minority joined forces with the Majority to pass this bill that, for the first time, authorises the Minister of Finance to withdraw not only from the Consolidated Fund but also other public funds to finance government operations for the year 2005.

Four main areas where the public money goes are statutory payments including Domestic Interest and External debts, total discretionary, discretionary payments for ministries, departments and agencies and other discretionary payments that include VAT refunds, road arrears and utility price subsidies.