The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana is the supreme framework for public financial management in Ghana. To protect the public purse, the Constitution makes provision on authorizing withdrawal from public funds.

Required:
In relation to public financial management, discuss THREE (3) ways of authorizing withdrawal from the public funds under the 1992 Constitution. (3 marks)

The withdrawal of discretionary expenditure from public funds should be authorized by:

  1. An Appropriation Act: Withdrawal from public funds is permitted when the budget is approved by a resolution of Parliament.
  2. A Supplementary Budget Approved: Where Parliament approves a supplementary estimate laid before it, withdrawal can be made.
  3. Request for Expenditure Approved in Advance of Appropriation: The Constitution also envisages a situation where a budget cannot come into force by 1st January and permits the President to request Parliament to allow spending prior to the approval of the budget. When such a request is approved, it constitutes appropriate authority to withdraw from the public funds.