PAC saved Ghana over GH¢273m in 2024 – Bagbin

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, announced that Ghana saved over GH¢273 million in 2024. This savings resulted from the diligent work of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The PAC's thorough review of public sector institutions recovered millions in funds. They also made 252 recommendations to improve transparency and accountability.

Mr. Bagbin shared this information on Monday, June 2. He spoke during a visit by a delegation from the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) to Parliament House in Accra. The delegation is in Ghana for a week-long assessment of the country’s anti-corruption efforts.

The AUABC will engage with key anti-corruption institutions. This includes the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and civil society organizations (CSOs). Their goal is to exchange best practices and identify challenges in fighting corruption.

Mr. Bagbin emphasized Ghana’s commitment to combating corruption. He highlighted various legal reforms and institutional structures developed over the years. In 2001, Ghana adopted a Zero Tolerance for Corruption policy. This was followed by important laws like the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Whistleblower Act.

He also mentioned specialized anti-corruption agencies such as EOCO and the Office of the Special Prosecutor. “Parliament has been at the forefront of these efforts,” Mr. Bagbin stated. He noted several internal reforms aimed at strengthening parliamentary accountability.

These reforms include adopting a Code of Conduct for members and staff. They also revised the House’s Standing Orders and established an anti-corruption department within Parliament's governance framework. Other initiatives include forming the Privileges Committee, Ethics and Standards Office, and Citizens Bureau.

The Citizens Bureau allows public members and CSOs to petition Parliament on national issues for investigation. Mr. Bagbin chairs the Association of African Speakers, promoting good governance across Africa through active participation in the African Network of Parliamentarians.

He assured the AU Advisory Board that Parliament would continue its role in promoting integrity and combating corruption as part of national development. Chairperson Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhatè praised Ghana's leadership in anti-corruption efforts during her remarks.

She noted that all African Union member states must undergo periodic reviews after ratifying the AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. She expressed optimism that their recommendations would empower national anti-corruption institutions further.

The AU Convention was adopted on July 11, 2003, during an assembly session in Maputo, Mozambique. It remains crucial for addressing corruption's impact on development across Africa.