NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has fired back at critics of the government's spending levels, insisting that funds will be released only when work has been properly completed. His comments follow concerns from critics that the government's relatively low expenditure compared to its budget target is responsible for recent economic stability.
Government Spending Processes Not Yet Complete
The criticism has focused on the fact that while about GH¢30 billion was budgeted for the year, only about GH¢6 billion had reportedly been spent by the middle of the year. But speaking on JoyNews' PM Express on Tuesday, Asiedu Nketiah explained that government spending follows processes, especially procurement, before payments can be made.
"We haven't been to the end of the year," he said. "Mostly procurement takes some time, but without procurement you can't spend." He added that the early stages of projects often involve procurement procedures, meaning actual payments may come later after contracts have been awarded and work has started.
Payment Certificates Key to Releasing Funds
Asiedu Nketiah explained that once procurement is done, performance will begin, certificates will be prepared, and then payment can follow. He argued that the amount spent so far should not be considered insignificant, saying payments will increase as projects progress and certification is completed.
"So I believe that even 6 billion is not too small," he said. "As work gets done and we are getting to the end of the year, you have certificates that you can honour." He stressed that government spending must be tied to results and should not involve releasing funds without accountability.
Contractors Must Deliver Before Payment
The NDC chairman said the government would not adopt practices where contractors receive money upfront without delivering on projects. "We are not giving money for advance payment, mobilization payments, where people take the money and run away with," he said. "That's not what we are doing."
He maintained that the government's approach is to ensure that contractors and service providers complete their obligations before receiving payment. "Perform, and we pay you, and so that shouldn't be a problem," he said. Asiedu Nketiah's comments suggest that the government is committed to following due process in its spending, despite criticism from some quarters.
What's Next for Government Spending
As the government continues to work on its projects, it remains to be seen whether it will meet its budget target of GH¢30 billion. While the NDC chairman's comments offer some insight into the government's spending processes, critics may continue to express concerns about the slow pace of expenditure. The debate over government spending is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months, with implications for the economy and the government's reputation.
Source: Joy Online
