History

  
The Ministry of Finance was established as per the prerogative of HM the King to appoint any minister with a supporting ministry. Cap3.19 of the Laws of Tonga prescribes that the Minister of Finance shall act as Treasurer and shall guard and keep all the moneys of the Government. He shall prepare the Annual Estimates of the Kingdom for presentation to the Legislative Assembly and shall also prepare the Annual Statement of Revenue and Expenditure for every completed financial year.

Overtime the role of the Ministry of Finance evolved to include advice to Government on the management of the economy in addition to budgetary policy and implementation.

The portfolio of the Minister of Finance in his various capacity include being the Treasurer, the Controller of Customs, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Minister in-charge of Statistics, Controller of Post Office and the Minister in-charge of Government Store.

The current Minister for Finance is Hon. ‘Otenifi Afu’alo Matoto. He was appointed by His Majesty on the 20th of March 2008. He took over from Hon. Siosiua 'Utoikamanu Tupou.