The Ministry of Finance has intensified efforts to improve financial accountability in local governance by training public officials to reduce audit infractions and strengthen compliance with public financial management regulations.
The two-day capacity-building workshop, held in Tamale, brought together representatives from Regional Coordinating Councils, the Internal Audit Agency, the Public Procurement Authority, and technical officers from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the Northern, Savannah and Oti Regions.
The initiative forms part of a broader government strategy to strengthen transparency, improve financial discipline and ensure public institutions deliver better value for money through effective management of public resources.
Addressing participants at the opening session, Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John highlighted the need for stronger accountability systems within local government structures, expressing concern over the recurring financial irregularities captured in Auditor-General’s reports.
According to him, persistent challenges such as procurement breaches, weak internal controls, poor record-keeping, unauthorised expenditures and non-compliance with financial regulations continue to affect the credibility and effectiveness of public institutions.
He stressed that reducing such infractions is critical to restoring public confidence and improving service delivery at the local level.
Mr John urged public officers to uphold professionalism, integrity and ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that prudent management of public funds remains essential for sustainable development.
The workshop also reinforced government’s commitment to improving financial governance across the decentralised administration system.
In remarks delivered on behalf of Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, Abubakari Ibrahim Dei, reminded participants of their obligations under public financial management laws.
He emphasised the importance of submitting quarterly Internal Audit Reports within 30 days after each quarter and ensuring Annual Performance Reports are filed within prescribed timelines to facilitate early identification and correction of financial management weaknesses.
Officials say the training is expected to equip participants with practical tools and strategies to strengthen internal controls, enhance compliance and improve audit outcomes across local assemblies.
Acting Coordinating Director of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, described the programme as an important platform for institutional strengthening and knowledge sharing.
He encouraged participants to apply lessons from the training to address operational challenges within their assemblies and contribute to building more accountable and efficient local governance institutions.
