Gov't not fully implementing PAC recommendations - report

A 2013 research report has revealed that Ghana does not fully implement the recommendations made by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) leading to drawbacks to ensure transparency and accountability in financial administration.

“Misappropriations and corruption issues in the PAC recommendations are often not fully implemented,” the report said.

Mr Roland Akabzaa, a Consultant at Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) made this known on Tuesday during a presentation of the draft report dubbed: “The Effectiveness of Foreign aid Beyond Busan,” to civil society groups.

The report was conducted by GACC and African Forum and Network on Debt and Development, a civil society organization.

It was established in 1996 as a regional platform and organisation for lobbying and advocating debt cancellation and addressing other debt related issues in Africa.

The report said Parliament's heavy dependence on the Executive for resources is seriously undermining its ability to provide effective oversight responsibility over resource management.

According to the report, the trend is not promoting transparency and accountability in financial administration.

The report revealed that Parliament is also incapacitated by limited time to properly scrutinise the budget and hold government accountable, adding: “Many Members of Parliament have limited capacity to understand the budget.”

Mr Agyeman Manu, Chairman of PAC, said the limited time allocated for the discussion of the budget is problematic because it is impossible for parliamentarians to effectively go through the sectors and provide appropriate suggestions.

The report revealed Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are accountable to donors but less accountable to local communities and the government.

Government had complained about the opaqueness of CSOs funding in the country.

The delay in the passage of the Freedom to Information Bill into law is also a drawback to transparency and accountability in effective application of donor support.

Mrs Veronica Sackey, Coordinator, Multi Donor Budget Support of Ministry of Finance said there is the need to strengthen financial systems and structures to effectively deal with financial leakages.