Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has emphasised that strengthening public auditing institutions is critical for addressing fiscal irresponsibility across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
He expressed this view at the launch of IMANI Africa and Oxfam Ghana’s third Fiscal Recklessness Index 2024 report, where he cautioned against forming an Independent Fiscal Council if it would burden state finances without enhancing current institutions.
The Fiscal Recklessness Index report identified the Ministry of Finance as the most fiscally irresponsible institution, underscoring Domelevo’s call for reforms.
He argued that boosting the capacity of bodies like the Public Accounts Committee and the Internal Audit Agency is essential for improving financial accountability in Ghana.
Domelevo noted that effective oversight would not only curb the misuse of resources but also foster greater transparency and governance across public institutions.
He advocated for directing resources to existing oversight bodies, which, he believes, play a pivotal role in ensuring financial discipline within government.
“The tendency in Ghana is to establish new state institutions that ultimately become a burden on public funds. When they fail to perform, we create yet another one.”
“In my view, we should strengthen the Attorney General, the Auditor General, the Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, and the Public Accounts Committee,” Mr. Domelevo stated.
