President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the importance of accountability, transparency and strong public institutions in Ghana’s governance framework, stressing that prudent management of public resources is indispensable to the country’s economic transformation and sustainable development.
The President made the remarks during the swearing-in ceremony of Ghana’s newly appointed Auditor-General, Dr. Pamela Graham, where he charged the country’s supreme audit institution to play an even more proactive role in safeguarding the public purse and strengthening democratic governance.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama said Ghana’s efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, expand social investment programmes and accelerate national development can only succeed if public funds are managed with integrity, efficiency and discipline.
According to him, sound public financial management remains a cornerstone of economic recovery and long-term national prosperity, making the work of the Auditor-General’s Department more critical than ever.
“The strength of every democracy is measured not only by those who govern but also by the institutions that hold governments accountable,” the President stated, emphasizing the constitutional responsibility of the Auditor-General in ensuring transparency and promoting responsible stewardship of state resources.
President Mahama further urged the new Auditor-General to ensure that audit reports extend beyond fulfilling statutory requirements, stressing that they should become practical instruments for improving governance across public institutions.
He explained that audit findings should be used to strengthen internal control systems, enhance operational efficiency, identify financial irregularities, eliminate waste and promote value for money in the utilization of public resources.
The President noted that robust auditing practices not only protect the public purse but also build investor confidence, improve service delivery and reinforce public trust in state institutions.
He expressed confidence in Dr. Graham’s ability to provide independent, professional and objective leadership to the Auditor-General’s Department, while encouraging her to uphold the highest standards of integrity, impartiality and excellence in the discharge of her constitutional mandate.
The appointment comes at a time when the government is pursuing reforms aimed at improving fiscal discipline, enhancing transparency in public expenditure and strengthening institutions responsible for accountability.
The swearing-in of Dr. Pamela Graham signals the government’s continued emphasis on institutional independence and effective oversight as essential pillars for achieving sustainable economic growth, restoring confidence in public administration and ensuring that every cedi of taxpayers’ money is used responsibly for national development.
Author: Joyce Owusu
Credit: Jubilee House
