The ongoing dispute between the Auditor-General and the Attorney-General in Ghana has raised concerns about the independence of the Auditor-General's office and the government's transparency in handling COVID-19 funds.
The Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah-Dame, has questioned the publication of the Auditor-General's audit report on COVID-19 expenditure, arguing that it is unconstitutional. However, the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has criticized the Attorney-General's stance, arguing that it threatens the independence of the Auditor-General's office.
The National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sammy Gyamfi, has also joined in the conversation, urging the Attorney-General to prioritize advising the Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, on retrieving the $82 million state funds paid for the purchase of vaccines that were never supplied, as highlighted in the Auditor-General's report.
The dispute raises concerns about the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in handling public funds. The Auditor-General's office is a critical institution in ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions. Its independence is essential to maintaining its credibility and upholding the rule of law.
The Attorney-General's stance also calls into question the role of Parliament in ensuring that public funds are being used appropriately. Parliament has a duty to debate and act on the Auditor-General's report where necessary. Still, the Attorney-General's assertion that the report should not be published undermines the role of Parliament and public accountability.
Ghana, like many other countries, has faced significant challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the government has had to make significant investments in health care and other sectors to mitigate the pandemic's impact. However, this investment must be accompanied by accountability and transparency to ensure that public funds are being used appropriately.
In conclusion, the dispute between the Auditor-General and the Attorney-General highlights the need for Ghana's government to prioritize transparency and accountability in its handling of public funds, especially during times of crisis. The Auditor-General's office must be allowed to operate independently without interference from the government or any other entity. Ghana's Parliament must also play an active role in ensuring that public funds are being used appropriately and that public officials are held accountable for their actions.