Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem has called on African parliamentary oversight institutions to strengthen financial accountability, tackle corruption and ensure that government spending delivers tangible benefits to citizens.
Speaking on behalf of Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson at the 6th African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) General Meeting and Conference in Accra, Mr Ampem stressed the need to translate audit findings into concrete actions, including the recovery of misused public funds and sanctions against officials responsible for financial irregularities.
He warned that accountability without consequences would undermine public trust, insisting that taxpayers deserve transparency and clear explanations of how government revenue is spent.
The Deputy Minister also emphasised that effective management of existing public resources was just as important as raising additional revenue for healthcare, education, infrastructure, energy and job creation.
He highlighted Ghana’s commitment to fiscal discipline, expenditure controls and public sector reforms, noting that the government had introduced about 22 laws within 18 months to strengthen institutions and improve economic governance.
Mr Ampem commended Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, particularly its Chairperson, Abena Osei-Asare, for making audit findings more accessible to the public through its hearings.
He further challenged AFROPAC to establish practical mechanisms for monitoring audit recommendations and measuring progress through recovered funds, resolved financial irregularities and improved public financial management.
He called for stronger, independent and adequately resourced Public Accounts Committees across Africa to protect taxpayers’ money, promote transparency and improve public service delivery.
Source: newsthemegh.com