Parliament has passed the Value for Money Office Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a new independent body aimed at strengthening oversight of public spending and procurement in Ghana.
The legislation, introduced in February 2026 by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, seeks to institutionalise efficiency, transparency, and accountability across government expenditure.
On the floor of the House, Dr. Forson described the Bill as a critical response to longstanding challenges in the country’s public financial management system. He highlighted persistent issues such as inflated contract sums, abandoned projects, cost overruns, and wasteful spending.
“This Bill institutionalises a comprehensive value for money framework to ensure that every cedi spent by Government delivers maximum benefit to citizens in terms of economy, efficiency, effectiveness, equity, and sustainability,” the Minister stated.
Once operational, the Value for Money Office will operate as an autonomous oversight institution with a clear technical mandate. Its key functions will include conducting value-for-money assessments on government projects and programmes, issuing mandatory Value for Money Certificates prior to the award of major contracts, monitoring compliance by public entities, and enforcing sanctions for violations.
Dr. Forson emphasised that the new Office would serve as a vital tool for promoting prudent financial management, helping to ensure that public projects are completed efficiently and deliver real benefits to Ghanaians.
The passage of the Bill comes amid ongoing national efforts to enhance fiscal discipline and curb inefficiencies in public procurement processes. The Value for Money Office is expected to play a central role in regulating, monitoring, and promoting best practices in the use of public resources.
