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The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has called for urgent reforms in public financial management, urging government to institutionalise the annual publication of all arrears, outstanding claims, and financial commitments to improve fiscal discipline and strengthen expenditure controls.
The recommendation follows the rejection of GH¢8.1 billion in payment claims by the Auditor-General’s Department during the 2024 financial year.
According to the audit findings, the rejected claims submitted by various ministries, departments, and agencies were flagged over several irregularities, including missing documentation, fabricated invoices, duplicate submissions, and falsified store receipts.
Delivering her closing remarks during the Committee’s consideration of the 2024 Auditor-General’s reports, Chairperson of the PAC, Abena Osei Asare, stressed the need for greater transparency in the management of government liabilities.
She noted that establishing a structured and consistent disclosure system would enhance accountability and reduce the recurrence of financial irregularities.
“The committee wishes to strongly emphasize that government must institutionalize the annual publication of all arrears, outstanding claims and commitments. Transparency in this area is critical. Regular disclosure will improve fiscal credibility, strengthen expenditure control, and reduce the need for recurring special audits of this nature,” she stated.
The Committee maintained that the absence of a consistent framework for publishing government obligations continues to expose public finances to inefficiencies and possible abuse.
According to PAC, improving transparency surrounding arrears and financial commitments would not only enhance fiscal credibility but also provide a clearer picture of the government’s actual financial position at any given time.