Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has disclosed that a nationwide audit into government arrears has resulted in the disallowance of about GHC 13 billion worth of claims inherited from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Speaking on the Breakfast Show on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Deputy Minister explained that the government commissioned the Audit Service and selected accounting firms to thoroughly assess the arrears stock passed on by the former administration.
“Government is dealing with the arrears. In fact, one of the things the Minister presented to Cabinet [Tuesday] was the audited arrears,” Mr. Ampem said.
He noted that the audit, which has now been completed, revealed significant discrepancies in the arrears claims submitted by contractors and suppliers.
“We commissioned the Audit Service and the accounting firms to audit the arrears stock that we inherited, and that work has been completed. About GH¢13 billion has been disallowed, and so that is some savings,” he revealed.
Mr. Ampem emphasized that the move was part of the government’s broader effort to ensure fiscal discipline, transparency, and the prudent use of public funds.
He described the GH¢13 billion disallowance as a“gain for the state”, highlighting that such exercises help cleanse the system of inflated or unverified debts.
The Deputy Minister added that the government remains committed to settling all legitimate arrears while protecting the public purse from fraudulent or exaggerated claims.
