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In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in public financial management, the Ghana Audit Service has officially inaugurated a new district office in Tepa, the capital of the Ahafo Ano North Municipality. The new office aims to decentralize auditing services, ensuring better oversight of public funds at the local level.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, brought together a range of dignitaries, including the Auditor-General of Ghana, Mr. Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu; officials from the Ahafo Ano North Municipal Assembly; traditional leaders; and representatives from various public institutions. The event was a significant step toward strengthening financial oversight and promoting good governance across the country.
In his keynote address, Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu highlighted the importance of the new Tepa office in ensuring the efficient use of public resources. He emphasized that the establishment of the branch is a key part of the Ghana Audit Service’s broader strategy to decentralize its operations and bring auditing services closer to local institutions, including district assemblies, schools, hospitals, and other public agencies.
“This office is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and transparently at all levels. By bringing our services closer to the institutions we audit, we can detect irregularities early, provide timely recommendations, and support good governance,” Mr. Asiedu said.
The Auditor-General further explained that the new office would improve the Ghana Audit Service’s capacity to monitor financial activities in the Ahafo Ano North Municipality and surrounding districts. This decentralization will allow for more effective and timely audits, as well as foster a stronger culture of accountability within local government bodies and public institutions.
Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I, the Paramount Chief of Tepa, also praised the Ghana Audit Service for its decision to open a district office in the area. The chief emphasized the importance of transparency in ensuring sustainable development and urged public institutions in the municipality to comply fully with auditing regulations.
“This initiative is a significant milestone for our community. The Audit Service will ensure that public officials and institutions uphold the highest standards of integrity, which is vital for our progress,” Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I remarked.
The chief also called on all stakeholders to take collective responsibility for ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of the community, urging leaders to maintain high ethical standards in their financial management.
The Tepa District office is strategically located to serve not only the Ahafo Ano North Municipality but also nearby districts, including parts of Ahafo Ano South West District. The office is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, providing auditors with the necessary tools to conduct efficient and professional audits.
The new office will primarily focus on improving oversight in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, local governance, and infrastructure development. By providing timely audits and recommendations, the Ghana Audit Service aims to ensure that public funds are spent effectively, promoting development and improving the quality of life for citizens in the region.
The inauguration of the Tepa District office is part of the Ghana Audit Service’s ongoing efforts to decentralize its operations across the country. The service has been progressively opening district offices in various regions to improve its capacity to audit public institutions, identify financial irregularities, and promote good governance at all levels of government.
The Ghana Audit Service, established under Article 187 of the 1992 Constitution, is tasked with auditing and reporting on the public accounts of Ghana, including the activities of central and local government administrations, public corporations, universities, and other public institutions. The establishment of the Tepa office underscores the service’s commitment to promoting accountability and transparency in the use of public resources.
The Tepa District office is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing public confidence in the country’s financial governance. By decentralizing its operations, the Ghana Audit Service aims to ensure that local authorities and public institutions are held accountable for their financial decisions, which in turn will help foster greater public trust in government processes.
Furthermore, the new office will support sustainable development by ensuring that resources allocated to development projects are used efficiently and effectively. Through timely audits and transparent financial oversight, the Tepa branch will contribute to better governance and more effective utilization of public funds for national development.
The Ghana Audit Service is responsible for auditing and reporting on the public accounts of Ghana, as mandated by Article 187 of the 1992 Constitution. The service’s primary role is to ensure that public funds are spent in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, and to provide independent and objective audits of government institutions, public offices, and corporations.
The Ghana Audit Service continues to expand its reach across the country, opening new district offices to enhance its ability to monitor public financial management and promote good governance at all levels of government. The inauguration of the Tepa District office is a significant step forward in this ongoing effort to strengthen financial oversight and accountability throughout Ghana.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
