By Albert Futukpor, GNA
Tamale, June 23, GNA – The Ministry of Finance has held a training workshop for public institutions to equip them with enhanced skills and practical knowledge to strengthen accountability systems and improve audit outcomes.
It was also to support Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in reducing audit infractions while delivering better value for money to citizens.
The two-day workshop, held in Tamale, was attended by representatives of Regional Coordinating Councils, the Internal Audit Agency, the Public Procurement Authority and technical officers from MMDAs drawn from the Northern, Savannah and Oti Regions.
It formed part of efforts by the Ministry of Finance to deepen compliance with public financial management laws, strengthen transparency in the utilization of public resources and build resilient institutions capable of driving sustainable development.
Mr Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, speaking during the training, which opened on Monday, urged MMDAs to strengthen accountability systems, improve financial discipline and enhance compliance with public financial management regulations to reduce recurring audit infractions.
Mr John expressed concern over the persistent financial irregularities recorded annually in the Auditor-General’s reports including procurement breaches, weak internal controls, poor documentation, unauthorized expenditures and non-compliance with financial regulations.
He said the recurring infractions continued to undermine public confidence in public institutions and negatively affected efforts aimed at improving service delivery and accelerating development.
He urged public officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and ethical conduct in managing public resources.
Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Finance, whose speech was read on his behalf by Mr Abubakari Ibrahim Dei, Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Finance, expressed government’s commitment to strengthening accountability and financial discipline across local government institutions.
He reminded participants that quarterly Internal Audit Reports must be submitted within 30 days after the end of each quarter, while Annual Performance Reports should be submitted within stipulated timelines to facilitate early detection and correction of financial management weaknesses.
Mr Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, Acting Coordinating Director, Northern Regional Coordinating Council, described the training as a transformative platform for learning, collaboration and institutional strengthening.
He urged participants to develop practical strategies for addressing common challenges within their assemblies.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Albert Futukpor
[email protected]Â