i) Challenges of PFMS in Ghana
The following are some of the challenges the current Public Financial Management (PFM) in Ghana is facing:

• Poor integration of the sub-systems of public financial management: The various PFM systems are standalone and therefore lack integration, which hampers efficient output. This issue is the reason behind the implementation of the Ghana Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS).
• Excessive human interface in the PFM process: Over-reliance on human intervention in the PFM process can lead to the abuse of systems and procedures to achieve personal gains.
• Human factor: The integrity of the management of the public financial management system is often questioned due to increasing cases of corruption and other forms of malfeasance.
• Non-compliance to laws: Despite having adequate laws and rules to govern public financial management, they are often disregarded in the execution of public financial management duties.
• Unpredictability of budgetary releases: The timing of budget releases is often unpredictable, making the budget unreliable.
• Weak accountability and transparency: External scrutiny and audit mechanisms are weak, and the sanctioning regime is ineffective.

ii) Expected Outcomes of an Orderly and Open PFM System
The purpose of a good Public Financial Management (PFM) system is to ensure that government policies are implemented as intended and achieve their objectives. An open and orderly PFM system is one of the enabling elements needed for desirable fiscal and budgetary outcomes:

• Aggregate fiscal discipline: Effective control of the total budget and management of fiscal risks.
• Strategic allocation of resources: Planning and executing the budget in line with government priorities aimed at achieving policy objectives.
• Efficient service delivery: Using budgeted revenues to achieve the best levels of public services within available resources.

iii) Role of the PEFA Framework in Building an Orderly PFM System
The Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) framework can help the Minister of Finance establish an orderly and open Public Financial Management system in the following ways:

• Provides a framework for understanding outcomes: The PEFA framework outlines the outcomes of an orderly and effective PFM system, which can guide the development and enhancement of the system.
• Sets out seven pillars of PFM: The framework identifies the key components of a successful PFM system, which can serve as the building blocks for improvement.
• Outlines indicators of effective PFM: These indicators can be used to assess the effectiveness of the PFM system and identify areas for improvement.
• Offers a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of the PFM system: The PEFA assessment provides insights into the current state of the PFM system, allowing the Minister to focus on areas that need strengthening.
• Dimensions of measuring PFM indicators: The PEFA framework details the dimensions for evaluating PFM indicators, helping in the development of a more comprehensive and effective PFM system.