The newly appointed Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairperson, Hon. Abena Osei-Asare has announced a significant decrease in financial infractions and irregularities among state institutions, citing a drastic reduction in such incidents.
Hon. Abena Osei-Asare said this reduction also includes financial diligence at various Municipal, District, and Metropolitan Assembly over decades.
According to her, it is believable that major heads of government institutions are now significantly obeying procurement procedures and exercising moderation in expenditure as key indicators for the reduction.
She emphasized that currently, institutional heads are highly deterred by the punishment associated with financial breaches, a development she pressed to encourage.
Abena Osei-Asare made these revelations on Sunyani-based Ark FM morning show on Thursday in an interview with Kwabena Obeng Akrofi on her new appointment.
The former minister of state in charge of finance indicates that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament is working hard to reduce infractions cited against public institutions in the Annual Auditor-General’s Reports.
Admitting that though some infractions against institutions may have reduced the quantum of money involved, she was hopeful that a time would come when the infractions would be few with very minimal monies involved.
The lawmaker debunked claims that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has become ineffective in recovering embezzled resources.
She stated that most heads of state found guilty of squandering funds have either refunded the money or been jailed.
Osei-Asare argues that recovering alleged financial malfeasance requires diligence and patience amid the democratic process, urging Ghanaians to trust the committee in its quest to achieve its targets.
The Public Accounts Committee Chairperson reiterated the committee’s commitment to recovering all state funds that have been misappropriated or embezzled.
To achieve this goal, Abena Osei-Asare indicated that the PAC will continue to work with Parliament and other relevant state institutions to perform their oversight responsibilities in accordance with the law.
Abena Osei-Asare commended anti-corruption institutions, such as the media, as key stakeholders championing the fight against corruption and related cases.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kaakyire Kwasi Afari. Ark fm, Sunyani
