The Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Madam Abena Osei Asare, has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strictly invoke the provisions of the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) to curb financial impropriety and safeguard public funds.
The PFMA provides the legal framework for regulating financial management in the public sector, assigning clear responsibilities to stakeholders, and setting standards for accounting, auditing, and transparency in the use of state resources.
Speaking during a PAC public hearing in Accra, Madam Osei Asare underscored the importance of compliance with financial laws, noting that infractions undermine both fiscal discipline and public trust. She reaffirmed her commitment to applying surcharge protocols to ensure officials found culpable of financial malpractices are held accountable.
“This move is part of the committee’s broader efforts to entrench transparency and accountability in the management of public finances,” she said.
The PAC Chair, stressed that preventing infractions before they occur was more cost-effective than addressing them afterward.
To this end, she advocated for greater autonomy and resources for the Audit Service, describing the institution as vital in scrutinizing MDA accounts and detecting financial mismanagement early.
According to her, strengthening the Audit Service would not only improve compliance but also help rebuild public confidence in institutions mandated to manage Ghana’s national resources.
The ongoing PAC hearings, which run from August 19 to 26, 2025, are examining the Auditor-General’s report on MDAs for the financial year ending December 31, 2024.
The report highlights pressing issues such as Ghana’s rising public debt, weaknesses in financial reporting, and lapses in asset management.
Nonetheless, the PAC’s firm stance on invoking the PFMA could mark a turning point in Ghana’s fight against recurring financial irregularities across MDAs.
By combining legislative oversight with stronger institutional capacity, the Committee aims to ensure better stewardship of public resources and greater fiscal responsibility.
