President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to intensify the enforcement of recommendations contained in Auditor-General’s reports, warning that individuals found responsible for financial irregularities will face prosecution and be required to refund misappropriated public funds.
Addressing members of the Ghanaian diaspora during a town hall meeting in the United Kingdom, the President expressed concern over the recurring financial losses highlighted in annual audit reports, describing the situation as a significant threat to national development and fiscal discipline.
According to him, the country continues to lose billions of cedis through various forms of financial mismanagement, a trend that must be decisively addressed to protect public resources.
President Mahama revealed that specialised audit courts established by the judiciary will play a central role in ensuring accountability by dealing specifically with cases arising from audit findings.
He explained that the new approach would move beyond the traditional practice where audit infractions are discussed mainly by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, with limited consequences for offenders.
Under the strengthened accountability framework, individuals cited in Auditor-General’s reports could face legal proceedings aimed at recovering state funds and imposing sanctions where wrongdoing is established.
The President said the Attorney-General’s Department and the Auditor-General’s Office will collaborate closely to identify cases requiring prosecution and pursue the recovery of monies lost through financial irregularities.
He stressed that public officials and individuals entrusted with state resources must be held accountable for their actions, adding that those unable to refund misappropriated funds after due process could face imprisonment.
The remarks come amid heightened public scrutiny of financial accountability issues following recent hearings by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, where several institutions and public officials were questioned over audit findings.
In one recent case, officials of the Ho Municipal Assembly were directed to refund GH¢138,000 within 60 days after being cited for audit-related infractions.
President Mahama said strengthening accountability mechanisms remains a key part of efforts to improve public financial management, reduce waste, and ensure that state resources are used effectively to support national development.
