President John Dramani Mahama has charged Ghana’s newly sworn-in Auditor-General, Dr. Pamela Graham, to uphold the independence of her office and serve with courage, fairness and professionalism in protecting the country’s public resources.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Jubilee House on Thursday, President Mahama described the occasion as more than a constitutional formality, saying it reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to transparency, accountability and sound public financial management.
“This is not merely a ceremonial occasion; it is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to the Constitution of Ghana, the rule of law, and the principles of transparency, accountability and sound public financial management that underpin every successful democracy,” the President said.
He also paid tribute to the outgoing Auditor-General for his service to the country.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, I express our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Auditor-General for his dedicated service to our country and his contribution to strengthening the institutions of public accountability,” he said.
President Mahama described the Office of the Auditor-General as one of the country’s most important constitutional institutions, stressing that its mandate extends beyond auditing government accounts.
“The Office of the Auditor-General occupies a unique and indispensable place within our constitutional order. It stands as one of the principal guardians of the public purse, ensuring that public resources entrusted to government are managed lawfully, efficiently and in the best interest of the Ghanaian people,” he stated.
“It strengthens confidence in public institutions, promotes prudent financial management, detects waste and corruption, and provides Parliament and the people of Ghana with the assurance that those entrusted with public resources remain accountable for every cedi they spend.”
According to the President, effective auditing is essential to Ghana’s economic transformation, particularly at a time when government is pursuing ambitious development programmes.
“In a developing economy such as ours, where every public investment must yield measurable benefits for our people, the role of the Auditor-General becomes even more critical. Effective auditing strengthens investor confidence, improves governance and reinforces public trust in government and state institutions,” he noted.
Congratulating Dr. Graham on becoming Ghana’s new Auditor-General, President Mahama said she assumes office at a time when public expectations for accountability have never been higher.
“Your appointment comes at a time when our citizens’ expectations for transparency and accountability are at an all-time high. Ghanaians rightly expect every public institution to demonstrate value for money, prudent stewardship of national resources and the highest standards of integrity,” he said.
The President expressed confidence in Dr. Graham’s ability to discharge her constitutional responsibilities with distinction.
“I have every confidence that you will discharge your constitutional mandate with competence, impartiality, courage and unwavering fidelity to the laws of our Republic,” he stated.
President Mahama reminded the new Auditor-General that her loyalty must be to the Constitution and the people of Ghana rather than any political authority.
“As you assume office today, you do so not in service of any government, any political party or any individual, but in service to the Constitution and the people of Ghana,” he said.
He stressed that the independence of the Auditor-General’s Office is fundamental to Ghana’s democratic governance.
“The independence of your office is fundamental to the credibility of our governance system. That independence must always be protected, and equally, it must always be exercised responsibly, professionally and fairly.”
“An Auditor-General must be guided solely by facts, evidence and the law. Your reports must command public confidence because they are objective, balanced and beyond reproach,” he added.
President Mahama reiterated that strengthening public institutions remains central to his administration’s economic recovery agenda, including the implementation of the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
“Our efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, improve domestic revenue mobilisation, implement the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, expand social investments and accelerate infrastructure development all depend on ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity, efficiency and discipline,” he said.
He emphasised that accountability is a constitutional duty for every public institution.
“Every ministry, department, agency, metropolitan, municipal and district assembly, state-owned enterprise and public official must recognise that accountability is not optional. It is a constitutional obligation,” the President declared.
President Mahama pledged his government’s continued support for the Audit Service through investments in technology, digital systems, capacity building and institutional reforms to strengthen its operations.
He also urged all public institutions to fully cooperate with the Auditor-General and promptly implement audit recommendations.
“Audit reports should never be viewed merely as statutory documents to be laid before Parliament.
They should serve as practical management tools to improve governance, strengthen internal controls, eliminate waste and enhance the efficiency of public administration,” he said.
Addressing Dr. Graham directly, the President urged her to preserve and build upon the legacy of the institution.
“You inherit an institution whose credibility has been built over decades through professionalism and constitutional fidelity. Your duty is to preserve, strengthen and modernise that legacy,” he said.
“I urge you to lead with independence, fairness, courage, wisdom and humility. Remain faithful to your constitutional mandate, steadfast in defending the public interest, and committed to the values of integrity, impartiality, professionalism and excellence.”
Concluding his remarks, President Mahama underscored the enduring importance of strong institutions in sustaining Ghana’s democracy.
“The strength of a democracy is measured not only by those who govern, but also by the institutions that hold governments accountable,” he said. “Today’s constitutional transition reminds us that institutions endure beyond individuals.
Our responsibility is to leave behind institutions that are stronger, more transparent and more effective than we came to meet them.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
