Public Accounts Committee recovers GH¢233.3 million in misused public funds - Speaker Bagbin

Parliament has recovered GH¢233.3 million in misused public funds. This recovery is part of major reforms to strengthen the nation’s anti-corruption framework.

The recovery followed 261 sittings of the Public Accounts Committee. They examined Auditor-General reports on financial irregularities in government institutions. Speaker Alban S. K. Bagbin shared these figures during a meeting with the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) on Monday.

He noted that the recovered amount came from 252 specific recommendations. These recommendations aimed to address weaknesses in public financial management. “Our examinations showed these funds were misapplied or unaccounted for,” said the Speaker.

As part of broader reforms, Parliament has created an Office of Profits Committee. This office will scrutinize external income sources for Members of Parliament. Additionally, a new Ethics Commissioner position will enforce conduct standards for legislators.

“All MPs will now carry a revised Code of Conduct,” he stated. This pocket-sized code is part of integrity measures being implemented.

Parliament has also recruited the former head of anti-corruption at CHRAJ. He will lead a newly formed Parliamentary Integrity Department. This department will conduct quarterly corruption risk assessments and oversee the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan.

Speaker Bagbin announced two new accountability programs as well. The National Integrity Award will recognize exemplary public service conduct. The “Vulture Award” will publicly identify integrity violations.

These initiatives aim to reward good behavior and discourage misconduct through accountability measures. Speaker Bagbin highlighted Ghana’s role in establishing GOPAC as proof of its commitment to accountability.