Ghana pioneers professional budgeting with launch of certified institute
In a significant step towards transforming public financial management, Ghana has launched the Certified Institute of Budget Analysts (CIBA), a professional body dedicated to elevating the budgeting profession. The institute’s vision is to professionalize public budgeting, ensuring that budget analysts are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethics to manage public resources effectively.
Board Chair, Certified Institute of Budget Analysts
The Need for Professionalization
According to Prof. Elvis Cornerstone, Chair of CIBA, the current state of budgeting in Ghana and Africa necessitates a structured approach. “Budgeting is the starting point where public policy is translated into monetary terms,” he emphasized. “However, too often, budgeting is treated as a clerical or administrative task without specialized training, certification, or ethical guidance.” This lack of professionalism can lead to poorly prepared budgets, stalling infrastructure projects, and derailing social programs
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Chief Budget Analyst
Central Regional Coordinating Council
Practitioner’s Perspective
Bless Kwame Darkey, Chief Budget Analyst at the Central Regional Coordinating Council, highlighted the challenges faced by budget analysts in Ghana. “We face capacity gaps and technical problems across all ministries, departments, agencies, and within the local government service,” he noted. “Many budget analysts/officers lack the practical tools needed for program-based budgeting, cost analysis, and future expenditure planning.” Darkey emphasized the importance of CIBA in addressing these challenges and promoting professionalism in budgeting.
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The government should see CIBA as a key partner in reforming public financial management, while MDAs and MMDAs should prioritize hiring and retaining certified budget analysts/officers. CIBA should also work closely with universities and international development agencies to deliver training, conduct research, and share best practices. Furthermore, the Public Services Commission should require CIBA certification for hiring and promoting budget analysts/officers.
IMF Representative, Washington
International Support
Ms. Elizabeth Ebeka Mulumba, IMF Representative, expressed her support for CIBA’s mission, stating that “CIBA’s mission to professionalize public sector budgeting is not only timely—it is transformative.” She emphasized the importance of strong public expenditure management, budget planning, and transparency, and noted that budget analysts are central in achieving these objectives.
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Deputy Secretary-General
Ghana Commission for UNESCO
Global Best Practices
Dr. Naazia Ibrahim, Deputy Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, highlighted global best practices in budgeting, citing Kenya’s program-based budgeting system and Rwanda’s budget transparency initiatives. She emphasized the importance of professionalization, stating that “strong budgets and strong education systems are twins, both demanding transparency, expertise, and accountability.”
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Ambassador of Sierra Leone to Turkiye
Tema West Municipal Chief Executive
Launch and Partnerships
The launch of CIBA was marked by solidarity messages from dignitaries, including the Ambassador of Sierra Leone and the Municipal Chief Executive of Tema West. These messages underscored the importance of professional budgeting in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability. CIBA aims to forge partnerships with government agencies, private firms, international institutions, and development partners to scale its impact and promote sustainable economic development.
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Chairman, Budget Analysts Association of Ghana
A New Era in Budgeting
With the launch of CIBA, Ghana is poised to lead a new era in professional budgeting, not just for Ghana but for the entire African continent. As Mr. Patrick Kwadwo Darko Mensah, Chairman of the Budget Analysts Association of Ghana, noted, “This programme is not just about certification; it’s about empowering professionals to raise the bar in budget planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.”
CIBA’s establishment marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s journey towards effective, responsible, and transparent public financial management.
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CIBA’s Mission and Structure
CIBA’s mission is to establish and award professional qualifications for individuals seeking careers in budgeting. The institute will offer a four-part professional mission, including certification, regulatory functions, capacity building, and public policy engagement. CIBA’s institutional structure comprises a Governing Board, Executive Management Team, and Professional Committees, ensuring strategic guidance, operational efficiency, and technical excellence.
Other Dignitaries of the CIBA Launch
Commissioner, Public Services Commission
Deputy Minister
Local Government Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
Director of Budget, Ministry of Finance
Visit https://cibagh.org/ for more information
