The Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has assured Ghanaians of government’s resolve to protect the public purse even as the 2020 general elections approach.

“In spite of the year being an election year, let me repeat that President Akufo-Addo and his government would ensure that the perennial excessive spending during such periods will not happen in 2020.

We will do so not because we are complacent of our chances, no, we will do because the nation needs it and we are not prepared to throw away all sacrifices and gains the people and the government have made in the last three years,” he said.

He made the remarks in his presentation of the 2020 budget on the Floor of Parliament Wednesday.

The minister also assured of a free and fair election, as government readies to provide all required resources to enable the Electoral Commission do its work efficiently to maintain the country’s stability.

“2020 is an election year, I would like to take this opportunity to inform this August House on behalf of the President that all the needed resources required shall be marched out for the Electoral Commission to ensure that we have credible, free and fair elections.

Ghana remains one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the world, and we intend to maintain that.”