PAC Chair rallies MPs to strengthen oversight of public funds
24th October 2025
The Member of Parliament for Atiwa East and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Abena Osei-Asare, has underscored the importance of deepening parliamentary oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day In-Country Training Workshop in Accra, organized by the African Organization of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) and sponsored by the Global Fund, Abena Osei-Asare expressed optimism that the initiative would enhance the capacity of Members of Parliament (MPs), particularly those on the Public Accounts Committee and the Health Committee.
The training, themed “Strengthening Legislative Oversight of Public Funds: Scrutiny of Reports by the Auditor-General,” brought together representatives from key state institutions and stakeholders in Ghana’s governance and health sectors.
Among those present were officials from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ghana Audit Service, Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Ghana AIDS Commission, and selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
Abena Osei-Asare highlighted that the partnership between AFROPAC, the Global Fund, and Parliament reflects a shared commitment to promote good governance, accountability, and effective public financial management.
She noted that strong legislative oversight is not only critical for preventing misuse of funds but also for improving service delivery, especially in the health sector where public resources must directly benefit citizens.
“As we work to ensure accountability, transparency, and efficient utilization of public funds, we remain committed to promoting good governance and ultimately improving health service delivery for the people of Ghana,” she stated.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Ghana has, over the years, played a vital constitutional role in examining the Auditor-General’s reports and holding public officials to account for financial irregularities and mismanagement.
However, challenges such as delayed implementation of recommendations and weak institutional follow-ups have often hindered progress.
The AFROPAC training, therefore, seeks to bridge these gaps by equipping parliamentarians with the technical knowledge and best practices to conduct more rigorous scrutiny of public accounts.
It also aims to foster collaboration between Parliament and accountability institutions to ensure that audit recommendations translate into actionable reforms.
Abena Osei-Asare reaffirmed the PAC’s dedication to building stronger public institutions that reflect Ghana’s vision of a transparent and prosperous democracy.