The government has acknowledged that cash shortages have delayed payments for approved expenditure, leaving Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with outstanding financial obligations that it now plans to address through the 2027 budget.
Mod K. Ceesay, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, disclosed this at the National Assembly while responding on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs during the debate on the 2027 budget estimates.
Mr Ceesay told lawmakers that some government expenses had been approved in the national budget but remained unpaid because the money was unavailable when payments became due.
“These were appropriations and budget lines duly considered and approved by this National Assembly,” he said.
He argued that delayed payments did not mean the government could disregard its existing financial commitments, insisting that legitimate obligations must be recognised and addressed.
“It is just too simple to say, look, drop it, Ignore it, and please, it never exists,” he told lawmakers.
The minister said the 2027 budget estimates included a specific provision to address MDA arrears and settle confirmed debts.
However, he explained that outstanding claims would first undergo review, validation and audit to determine whether they were legitimate before payments could be made.
He said the government also plans to strengthen expenditure controls and cash management to ensure that spending commitments are better matched with available resources and prevent further arrears from accumulating.
“The delays could have implications for businesses supplying goods and services to government institutions, as unpaid bills can affect their cash flow and ability to meet operating costs.”
However, the minister did not disclose how many suppliers or contractors were affected, the amounts owed to them or how long they had waited for payment.
The government also provided no total figure for outstanding arrears or a timeline for settling all confirmed debts.
The disclosure raises questions about the government’s ability to meet existing financial obligations while ensuring that future spending commitments are backed by available cash.
As lawmakers consider the 2027 budget estimates, the proposed provision for settling arrears will test the government’s commitment to clearing outstanding bills and improving public financial management.
