Audit Service staff challenged to expose corrupt officials

Kumasi, Sept 13, GNA- Mr. Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister, challenged staff of the Ghana Audit Service to be vigilant and expose corrupt public officers without fear or favour. He said if they are able to do this, it would prevent greedy officials from diverting funds meant for national development. Mr Owusu-Ansah was addressing a day's workshop for heads of departments and accountants drawn from 15 selected metropolitan, municipal and districts assemblies across the country, in Kumasi on Wednesday. The workshop was organized under the auspices of the Multi-Donor Budget Support Programme of the Audit Service in collaboration with the country's development partners.

It was aimed at building the capacity and sharpening the skills of participants to enable them to work efficiency in the public financial management system.

"Financial improprieties have contributed towards the current state of low per capita income, inadequate provision of socio-economic amenities and the general slow pace of development that confront the nation. " the Regional Minister said. Mr. Owusu-Ansah said the recent audit report of serious misappropriation of funds, regular revelation of ghost names on government payroll as well as financial deals in the public sector were not only worrying but also an impediment to achieving the development goals of the nation.

He asked public officers to discharge their duties honestly towards national development.

Mr. Francis Akwetey, Acting Deputy Auditor-General of the Central Government Audit Department, thanked the country's development partners for assisting in the organization of the workshop, which according to him would help in addressing challenges inherent in financial management in the public sector.