Minority Whip Bemoans Audit Reports

The minority whip and member of Parliament (MP) for Avenor, Doe Adjaho, has expressed grave concern about special audit reports that are given to the media without copies being submitted to Parliament.

"Mr. Speaker, since 2001, we read and heard about special audits in the media and in certain cases, portions of the report produced extensively in the print media and yet, not a single copy has been submitted to this honourable House," he stressed with bitterness in his voice.

Mr. Adjaho explained that it was of much importance and urgency that audit reports can only be published after they have been presented to the speaker to be laid before Parliament and not the other way round.

Quoting extensively from the Constitution to buttress his point, the minority whip said: "It should be a disturbing sign to this House and indeed all well-meaning Ghanaians who want to see the rule of law and democracy and good governance entrenched in this country that the auditor-general is not complying with the Act of Parliament that regulates his office."

The member reminded the House that it is in order to strengthen the hands of the auditor-general and to make provision for the adherence to best international practices like the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions and other internationally-recognized bodies that the Audit Service Bill was introduced by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government and duly passed by Parliament into the Audit Service Act, via Act 584 of 2000.

Explaining further, the Avenor MP said the auditor-general has the discretion to carry out special audits or reviews but once he has exercised that discretion in carrying out special audits or reviews, it is mandatory for him to submit same to the House.

Mr. Adjaho drew the speaker's attention to the auditor-general's appointment letter, which he said defines his duties and responsibilities towards Parliament in relation to the submission of reports and suggested he is called upon to discharge that duty as specified.

Members from both sides of the House associated themselves with the statement and appealed to the government to appoint an auditor to audit the auditor-general.