President Nana Akufo-Addo has called on public institutions and offices to fully cooperate with the Audit Service and adhere to its recommendations to enhance public sector performance and achieve development goals.
Speaking at the commissioning of a new Eastern Regional Audit Service office in Koforidua, Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of the Audit Service in ensuring government expenditures comply with the law and provide value for money.
“As we commission this facility today , I urge all public institutions and offices in Eastern Region to corporate fully with the Audit Service. Compliance with audit recommendations is essential for improving public Sector performance and achieving the desire outcomes of our development agenda”.President said.
He highlighted the role of the Audit Service in building public confidence and promoting good governance.
“The Audit Service plays a crucial role in safeguarding the public purse. It ensures that government expenditures are made in accordance with the law and that there is value for money in all government transaction by providing independent audit of public accounts. The Audit service helps to build public confidence in our financial systems and promotes good governance”.
The President reiterated his commitment to supporting the Audit Service with resources and independence to operate effectively.
In 2016, cabinet approved a loan facility of 13 million Euros from KFW, a German Development Bank, for the construction of 25 Regional and District Offices for the Audit Service.
Following Parliamentary approval on 31st October 2016, the loan agreement was signed on 12th December 2016.
However, bureaucratic delays hampered the procurement process, increasing construction costs and reducing the number of offices from 25 to 19.
During a 2020 meeting between the governments of Ghana and Germany,
Germany committed an additional 11.5 million Euros to the project. This funding will enable the Audit Service to construct an additional 6 Regional and 6 District Offices for the newly created Regions
President Akufo Addo stated that the new regional offices will provide a conducive environment for audit activities and serve as hubs for training auditors.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, on behalf of the President, mentioned that the construction of Regional Audit Service Offices in the Eastern Region and the ongoing projects in Ho in the Volta Region and Cape Coast in the Central Region will significantly strengthen the regional and district structures of the Audit Service.
This enhancement will aid in the effective execution of its constitutional mandate.
Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoa Asiedu praised the President for increasing the Audit Service’s annual budget, enabling the renovation of several government offices.
He noted that office accommodation deficits have been a significant challenge for the Audit Service, and the new office in the Eastern Region will help alleviate this issue.
German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, urged Ghanaians to use Audit Service reports to hold officials accountable, ensuring transparency and progress for the country.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
