Parliament eyes recommendations on financial
impropriety
Parliament eyes recommendations on
financial impropriety
Accra (Greater Accra) 12 July 2000
The Audit Service Bill went through the second reading in Parliament on Tuesday with members eyeing an amendment opportunity to exert the house's influence on the implementation of recommendations of the Auditor-General.
The debate on the bill, which was bi-partisan, reflected the frustrations of members many of whom complained of not getting their views on the report registered by the bodies cited for wrongdoing.
Members had accepted a view expressed by Minority Leader J.H. Mensah last week that the house should insert a clause in the bill that will give it power to compel bodies to adhere to its recommendations.
The object of the bill is to revise the Audit Service Decree, 1972 (NRCD 49) by incorporating the relevant provisions of articles 187, 188 and 189 of the constitution and specific provisions of the Financial Administration Decree, 1979 (SMCD 221).
According to the memorandum accompanying the bill signed by Dr. Obed Asamoah, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, the revision of the existing law will bring the operations of the Auditor-General in line with modern developments.
"The ultimate objective of this bill is to introduce provisions into the Decree to amplify the functions of the Audit Service and the Auditor-General towards ensuring the administrative and financial independence of the Audit Service as provided for in the constitution."
Moving for the adoption of the report on the bill, Commander Steven G. Obimpeh, Chairman of the Finance Committee, said the independence of the Auditor-General from executive control in financial matters will no doubts help to enhance the credibility of the government in matters of transparency and accountability.
He told members of the house that his committee has proposed 35 amendments that will be pushed during the consideration stage.
Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, NPP-Asante Akim North, said the time had come for the Auditor-General to tell parliament more about illegal transfers and the stealing of the nation's resources to foreign lands in its reports.
He said the Auditor-General should also report on its own activities to the house regularly as stipulated by the constitution.
The member urged the house to expedite action on the appointment of an Auditor to audit the Auditor-General.
Mr Baah-Wiredu asked the Auditor-General to respond promptly to the needs and requirements of Parliament because he has so far not impressed the house.
Later, the house adopted the report on the Auditor-General's report on the Public Accounts of Ghana on Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the central government for the period ended 31st December 1997.
Members called for the submission of reports on time and expressed their frustration at the lack of response from offending bodies for the house's recommendation.
Mr Mensah, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, told members that it is better to have those reports late than never.
He said the appreciation of such reports had helped the house identify the sources of embezzlement and misapplication.
The Minority leader said the house is still disabled to carry out the wishes of members, adding that Parliament cannot always find itself in a situation where "the investigator needs the persuasion of the suspect to investigate which suspect will do this."
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