President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Dr. Pamela Graham as Ghana’s new Auditor-General, urging her to uphold the highest standards of integrity, independence and professionalism in safeguarding the country’s public resources.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidency on Thursday, July 2, President Mahama described the office of the Auditor-General as a vital institution that goes beyond auditing public accounts.
“The work of the Auditor-General extends far beyond auditing accounts. It strengthens confidence in public institutions, promotes prudent financial management, deters waste and corruption, and provides Parliament and the people of Ghana with the assurance that those entrusted with public resources remain accountable for every cedi they spend,” he said.
The President noted that the role has become even more critical at a time when Ghanaians are demanding greater transparency and accountability from public institutions.
Expressing confidence in Dr. Graham’s competence and professional experience, President Mahama reminded her that her primary responsibility is to the Constitution and the people of Ghana.
“As you assume office today, you do so not in service to any government, political party or individual, but in service to the Constitution and the people of Ghana,” he stated.
He stressed that the independence of the Auditor-General’s office is essential to maintaining public confidence and urged Dr. Graham to be guided by facts, evidence and the law in the discharge of her duties.
President Mahama also paid tribute to the outgoing Auditor-General for his contribution to strengthening accountability and thanked him for his dedicated service to the nation.
He linked effective auditing to the government’s broader economic recovery agenda, stating that efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, improve revenue mobilisation, expand infrastructure, promote exports and implement the 24-Hour Economy policy all depend on the prudent management of public resources.
The President further reminded all public officials that accountability is a constitutional obligation and not a matter of choice.
“Every Ministry, Department and Agency, every Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly, every state-owned enterprise and every public official must recognise that accountability is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation,” he said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Ghana Audit Service through investments in technology, digital systems, staff development and institutional reforms.
President Mahama also called on all public institutions to cooperate fully with the Auditor-General by implementing audit recommendations promptly, stressing that audit reports should be used as practical tools to improve governance, strengthen internal controls and eliminate waste.
Addressing Dr. Graham directly, the President urged her to protect the institution’s legacy and lead with courage, fairness and humility.
“You inherit an institution whose credibility has been built over decades through professionalism and fidelity to the Constitution. Your duty is to preserve, strengthen and modernise that legacy,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Dr. Graham’s leadership would strengthen public trust in state institutions and further promote transparency, accountability and good governance in Ghana.
Source: Adomonline
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