President John Dramani Mahama has charged the newly sworn-in Auditor-General, Dr. Pamela Graham, to discharge her constitutional mandate with independence, impartiality and professionalism, stressing that her loyalty must be to the Constitution and the people of Ghana rather than any government, political party or individual.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Graham at the Presidency, President Mahama described the occasion as a reaffirmation of Ghana’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound public financial management.
He said the Office of the Auditor-General remains one of the country’s most important constitutional institutions, entrusted with safeguarding public resources and ensuring that state funds are managed lawfully and efficiently.
“The Office of the Auditor-General occupies a unique and indispensable place within our constitutional order. It serves as one of the principal guardians of the public purse, ensuring that public resources entrusted to government are managed lawfully, efficiently and in the best interest of the Ghanaian people,” he said.
President Mahama noted that the Auditor-General’s responsibility goes beyond auditing accounts, explaining that the office strengthens public confidence in state institutions, promotes prudent financial management, deters waste and corruption, and assures Parliament and citizens that public officials remain accountable for every cedi spent.
Congratulating Dr. Pamela Graham on her appointment, the President said her extensive professional experience had prepared her for the high office and expressed confidence in her ability to perform her duties with integrity and courage.
“As you assume office today, you do so not in service of any government, any political party or any individual, but in service to the Constitution and the people of Ghana. The independence of your office is fundamental to the credibility of our governance system,” President Mahama stated.
He urged the new Auditor-General to ensure that every audit report is guided solely by facts, evidence and the law.
“An Auditor-General must be guided solely by facts, evidence and the law. Your reports must command public confidence because they are objective, balanced and beyond reproach,” he added.
The President also thanked the outgoing Auditor-General for his dedicated service and contribution to strengthening public accountability, wishing him success in his future endeavours.
President Mahama further linked effective auditing to the government’s broader economic recovery agenda, stating that strong accountability institutions are critical to restoring macroeconomic stability, improving domestic revenue mobilisation, implementing the 24-hour economy, expanding exports, increasing social investments and accelerating infrastructure development.
He stressed that every ministry, department, agency, metropolitan, municipal and district assembly, as well as state-owned enterprises and public officials, must recognise that accountability is a constitutional obligation and not a matter of choice.
“My government will continue to support the strengthening of the Audit Service through investment in modern audit technologies, digital systems, capacity building and institutional reforms that enable the Service to discharge its constitutional mandate effectively,” he said.
The President also called on all public institutions to fully cooperate with the Auditor-General and ensure that audit recommendations are implemented promptly, saying audit reports should be used as practical tools to improve governance, strengthen internal controls, eliminate waste and enhance public service delivery.
Addressing Dr. Graham directly, President Mahama urged her to preserve and strengthen the legacy of the Audit Service by carrying out her duties with fairness, courage, wisdom and humility.
“Remain faithful to your constitutional mandate. Remain steadfast in defending the public interest. Remain committed to the values of integrity, impartiality, professionalism and excellence. If you do so, you will earn not only the confidence of government but, more importantly, the enduring trust of the Ghanaian people,” he said.
Source: Mubarak Yakubu
