Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has delivered high praise to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), describing it as one of the most important and relevant bodies for promoting accountability and safeguarding public funds within Ghana’s financial system.
Appearing before the Committee on Monday, November 3, Hon. Iddrisu was responding to a question about the PAC’s role in strengthening governance and financial discipline.
“The Public Accounts Committee is doing very well and is saving this country billions,” the Minister asserted. He added that the mere act of public officials being invited to appear before the Committee serves as a powerful control measure that shapes behaviour and promotes responsibility.
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The Committee has been reviewing the 2024 Auditor-General’s report on the accounts of Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Mr. Iddrisu emphasized that the PAC’s oversight function is vital for ensuring transparency, fairness, and prudence in the management of public resources allocated by Parliament. He stressed that once Parliament allocates funds to ministries and departments, these principles must be strictly adhered to.
The Minister drew a powerful parallel between accountability and diagnosis: “If a disease is not properly diagnosed, autopsy becomes impossible. In the same way, without the diligent work of the PAC, financial mismanagement would go unchecked.”
He underscored that Article 187 of the 1992 Constitution mandates Parliament to act on the Auditor-General’s reports in the public interest, stressing that failure to do so amounts to an injustice to the Ghanaian people.
To improve the enforcement of audit recommendations and strengthen accountability, the Education Minister urged enhanced collaboration among key state institutions, including the Auditor-General’s Department, the Judiciary, and Parliament.
Referencing a recent announcement by President Mahama to engage the Auditor-General and the Chief Justice, Hon. Iddrisu suggested that the dialogue must also include the Speaker of Parliament to collectively enhance Parliament’s role in ensuring compliance.
He also pointed to international practices, noting that in jurisdictions like Australia, the Auditor-General operates directly within Parliament—a model he believes Ghana could consider adopting to boost institutional effectiveness.
The Minister reminded all public officials of their profound duty: “We must always remember that there will be dire consequences when we betray public trust. Your Committee’s work reminds all of us to respect the public purse and guarantee value for money.”