The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ali Adolf John, has commended Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for holding sittings in the region, saying the move brings accountability closer to the people and deepens good governance at the local level.
The Minister made the remarks on Tuesday when he received a high-powered PAC delegation, led by its Chairperson, Madam Abena Osei-Asare, on a courtesy call at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council in Tamale.
The visit forms part of the Committee’s oversight mandate ahead of its scheduled sittings with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and other public officials in the Northern Region.
Mr Ali Adolf John noted that the Public Accounts Committee in the Region demonstrates Parliament’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that public resources are judiciously managed in accordance with established financial regulations.
The Regional Minister assured the Committee of the Region’s full readiness and cooperation, revealing that all MMDCEs expected to appear before the Committee had been duly notified and taken proactive steps to ensure that the affected officials make themselves available promptly for the sittings.
Mr Ali Adolf John underscored the critical importance of the PAC sittings, describing them as a cornerstone of Ghana’s democratic governance and public financial accountability system, adding that the exercise provides a vital platform for scrutinising the Auditor-General’s reports, addressing financial irregularities, and holding public officers accountable for their stewardship.
He further indicated that beyond accountability, the sittings also offer an opportunity for institutional learning and improvement, enabling public officials to correct lapses and strengthen compliance with financial management laws and procedures.
The Minister urged all participating officials to approach the sittings with seriousness, honesty, and a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that such engagements are essential for restoring public confidence and ensuring efficient service delivery across the Region.
The PAC Chairperson, Madam Abena Osei-Asare, reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to executing its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, adding that the Committee’s presence in the Region would ensure that issues raised in the Auditor-General’s reports are thoroughly examined and addressed.
The Public Accounts Committee is expected to hold sittings with various MMDCEs and officials over the coming days, focusing on financial management practices, audit queries, and compliance with public financial regulations.
Bala Ali
