President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the need for greater accountability in the management of public resources, stressing that every public official must account for every cedi entrusted to them.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Auditor-General, Dr. Pamela Graham, at the Presidency, the President said prudent financial management and accountability remain essential to Ghana’s democratic governance and economic development.
He noted that the Office of the Auditor-General plays a critical role in safeguarding the public purse by ensuring that state resources are managed lawfully, efficiently and in the best interest of the Ghanaian people.
“The Auditor-General’s work extends far beyond just auditing accounts. It strengthens confidence in public institutions, promotes prudent financial management, deters waste and corruption, and provides Parliament and the people of Ghana with the assurance that those entrusted with public resources remain accountable for every cedi they spend,” President Mahama said.
According to him, effective auditing is especially important in a developing economy where every public investment must deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
“In a developing economy such as ours, where every public investment must yield measurable benefits for our people, the role of the Auditor-General becomes even more critical. Effective auditing strengthens investor confidence, improves governance and reinforces public trust in government and state institutions,” he stated.
President Mahama stressed that his administration’s economic recovery agenda depends on strong accountability systems and responsible management of public funds.
“This government has consistently affirmed that economic recovery and national development cannot be achieved without strong institutions. Our efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, improve domestic revenue mobilisation, implement the 24-hour economy, accelerate export development, expand social investments and infrastructure development all depend on ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity, efficiency and discipline,” he said.
The President further declared that accountability is a constitutional obligation for every public institution and official.
“Every ministry, department, agency, metropolitan, municipal and district assembly, state-owned enterprise and public official must recognise that accountability is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation,” he stressed.
President Mahama also pledged continued government support for the Ghana Audit Service through investments in modern audit technologies, digital systems, capacity building and institutional reforms to strengthen its oversight role.
He urged all public institutions to cooperate fully with the Auditor-General and promptly implement audit recommendations, saying audit reports should serve as practical tools for improving governance, strengthening internal controls, eliminating waste and enhancing the efficiency of public administration.
The President expressed confidence that the newly sworn-in Auditor-General, Dr. Pamela Graham, would uphold the principles of independence, professionalism and integrity in safeguarding Ghana’s public finances.
