President John Dramani Mahama has directed that individuals found guilty of misusing or misappropriating public funds should face prosecution under a fast-track judicial process to serve as a deterrent to others.
Speaking at the opening of the 12th Annual Conference of Chairpersons of Governing Boards and Councils, Chief Directors, and Chief Executives of the Public Services of Ghana in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, Mr Mahama said the recurring financial irregularities uncovered by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) must end through stronger enforcement and accountability.
He described the persistent misuse of public resources as “pathetic”, adding that urgent action was needed.
“I have a meeting on Thursday with the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General and others to find a final solution to this Auditor-General’s report. Persons who are found guilty of infractions leading to the loss of public resources must have a fast-track process to Nsawam,” he said, referring to the country’s main prison.
The President warned that without real consequences, the Auditor-General’s annual reports would continue to expose “staggering losses”, noting that the latest review revealed misappropriations amounting to about GH¢15 billion. “If we saved GH¢15 billion, can you imagine what it could do for our nation?” he asked.
Mr Mahama also criticised the failure of public institutions to enforce audit recommendations. Although all departments are required to establish Audit Report Implementation Committees (ARICs), he said, “virtually nobody followed up on recommendations,” weakening the accountability system.
He hinted at a new framework to ensure that PAC recommendations are swiftly implemented and offenders held accountable.
