The Progressive Youth Alliance – Ghana has commended Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson for what it described as his steadfast leadership and fiscal discipline, following Ghana’s reported exit from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout programme after 17 months under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
In a press release dated May 18, 2026, and signed by conveners Eric Nana Tekyi, Nana Berimah Asamoh, and Saeed Andoh, the group stated that Ghana’s economic recovery was not accidental but the outcome of “structured policy reforms” spearheaded by Dr. Ato Forson at the Ministry of Finance.
According to the group, key reforms introduced by the Finance Minister included reducing the size of government, enforcing mandatory commitment controls, uncapping statutory funds to align with national priorities, reforming tax administration, regulating petroleum and mining royalties, and establishing the Gold Board to regulate the domestic gold purchasing regime.
“The bold decision to reduce the size of government from the onset, enforce mandatory commitment controls, uncap statutory funds to align with national priorities, reform tax administration, regulate petroleum and mining royalties, and establish the Gold Board all contributed significantly to Ghana’s rapid economic recovery and successful completion of the IMF bailout programme,” the statement said.
The Alliance particularly praised the recently introduced Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) policy, describing it as one of the most decisive fiscal control measures in Ghana’s recent history.
The policy requires all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to obtain approval from the Ministry of Finance before committing the state financially.
“By ensuring that no Ministry, Department, or Agency commits the state financially without prior approval from the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson has demonstrated an uncompromising commitment to expenditure discipline,” the group stated.
It added that the policy would help prevent unauthorized spending, reduce judgment debts, and protect public funds from abuse.
The group also applauded the establishment of the Value for Money Office (VfMO), describing it as a major intervention aimed at scrutinizing government contracts and ensuring efficient use of public resources.
“This intervention is a major step toward eliminating inflated contracts, procurement irregularities, and wasteful spending that have burdened the nation for years,” the release noted.
Another initiative highlighted by the Alliance was the Commitment Control Compliance League Table, which it said promotes strict adherence to public financial management regulations among state institutions.
“By introducing a monitoring and ranking mechanism, the Finance Minister has created a culture of responsibility and compliance within the public sector,” the statement added.
The Progressive Youth Alliance further described Dr. Ato Forson as “one of the most prudent, disciplined, and reform-oriented Finance Ministers Ghana has witnessed in recent times,” arguing that his policies were practical governance tools designed to restore investor confidence and safeguard national resources.
The group expressed optimism that Ghana’s exit from the IMF programme would create opportunities for renewed economic growth, job creation, and increased investment in agriculture, industry, infrastructure, technology, and the private sector.
“With the removal of IMF conditionalities, the government will have greater flexibility to support local businesses, attract investors, and stimulate sustainable employment opportunities for the youth,” the statement said.
The Alliance concluded by asserting that history would remember Dr. Ato Forson as a Finance Minister who prioritized fiscal discipline, accountability, and national interest over political convenience.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
