The Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Davis Ansah Opoku, has expressed concern over Ghana’s slow pace in recovering public funds identified through Auditor-General reports, describing weak enforcement and follow-up action as a major accountability challenge.
The Mpraeso Member of Parliament revealed that between 2020 and 2023, the Auditor-General flagged GH¢38.99 billion for recovery, but only GH¢12.72 billion had been retrieved so far.
Mr Opoku disclosed this while chairing a panel discussion at the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) at Burma Camp on the theme: “Beyond External Audit and Oversight: Rethinking Strategic Options for Safeguarding the Public Purse in Ghana.”
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According to the PAC Vice Chairman, Ghana has demonstrated the ability to identify financial irregularities through audit processes, but the country continues to struggle with ensuring that recommendations result in actual recoveries and institutional reforms.
He explained that strengthening accountability systems requires more than producing audit reports, stressing that findings must lead to concrete action against financial infractions.
Mr Opoku argued that safeguarding public resources should not be viewed merely as an accounting responsibility but as a broader national priority.
He noted that effective management of public finances is directly linked to national development and security.
“A country that cannot secure its budget cannot fully secure its people,” he said.
The lawmaker maintained that improving recovery of public funds would help reduce waste, strengthen public confidence and ensure taxpayers’ money is used for national development.
The engagement at the National College of Defence Studies brought together senior officers from the Ghana Armed Forces, representatives from Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zambia, as well as senior government officials.
Discussions focused on ways countries can improve oversight mechanisms, strengthen financial governance and protect national resources.
The PAC Vice Chairman’s comments add to ongoing national discussions about the effectiveness of audit recommendations, public sector accountability and the role of institutions such as Parliament and the Auditor-General in protecting Ghana’s public purse.
Myjoyonline