Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee saves Ghana over GH¢278m - Bagbin  

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin announced that the Public Accounts Committee saved Ghana over GH¢273 million by the end of 2024.

The Committee also made 252 recommendations to improve transparency and accountability in state agencies.

Bagbin shared this news during a visit from the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption. The delegation visited Parliament House in Accra on Monday.

The AU Advisory Board is in Accra for a week-long review of Ghana’s efforts to implement the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption. They will engage with anti-corruption institutions, including CHRAJ and civil society organizations.

Their goal is to exchange ideas, assess challenges, and find ways to strengthen anti-corruption efforts in Ghana.

Speaker Bagbin highlighted Ghana's commitment to fighting corruption through various laws and institutions. In 2001, Ghana adopted a Zero Tolerance policy against corruption.

Since then, it has passed several laws, including the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Whistle Blowers Act. Recently, they introduced the Rights to Information Act as part of their anti-corruption efforts.

Bagbin mentioned key institutions like the Serious Fraud Office, now known as EOCO, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor. These bodies enhance governance mechanisms against corruption in Ghana.

He noted that Parliament has established governance structures to combat graft effectively. The institution has been proactive in these efforts.

Parliament has passed Code of Conduct guidelines for its members and staff. It also revised its Standing Orders and created an anti-corruption department within its structure.

Additionally, they set up committees such as the Privileges Committee and Ethics and Standards Office to improve governance.

Bagbin emphasized that all members should uphold high standards as role models for society.

Parliament also launched a Citizens Bureau for citizens and CSOs to raise national issues for investigation.

On a continental level, Bagbin chairs the Association of Speakers in Africa. Ghana’s Parliament is part of the African Network of Parliamentarians promoting good governance across Africa.

He assured that Ghana's Parliament would continue leading efforts against corruption to foster integrity among Ghanaians for growth and prosperity.

Madam Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhatè led the AU Board delegation. She praised Ghana as a model for fighting corruption on the continent.

She explained that all African countries ratifying the Convention must undergo reviews periodically.

Diakhatè believes their recommendations will help strengthen Ghana’s anti-graft institutions further.

The AU adopted its Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption on July 11, 2003, during an assembly session in Maputo, Mozambique.