By Elsie Appiah-Osei
Accra, July 17, GNA — Mr. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, has introduced a Private Members’ Bill to amend the Public Financial Management Act.
The proposed amendment aims to prevent the Minister for Finance from allocating funds to any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) without a development plan certified by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC).
“I’m blocking that hole where MDAs spend Internally Generated Funds. There are a lot of MDAs who will tell you that they are using their own money and not taxpayers’ money,” Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said.
He made the remarks during an interview with a section of the media at Parliament House, Accra, on Wednesday.
“Before you collect that money, there are fees and charges that need to be passed. That’s public money. Its use must be in consonance with the national development plan. And so, what this Bill seeks to do is to block that hole and help protect the public purse,” he added.
According to Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, the bill sought to improve public financial accountability and ensure that MDAs used their funds in line with the national development plan.
He told the media it was his belief that the move would help safeguard the national purse and promote responsible financial management.
If passed, the bill is expected to promote transparency and accountability in public financial management, ensuring that funds are used effectively to support national development goals.
GNA
Christian Akorlie