By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, July 02, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has charged Dr Pamela Graham, the new Auditor-General to lead with independence, fairness, courage, wisdom and humility.
“Remain faithful to your constitutional mandate, remain steadfast in defending the public interests, remain committed to the values of integrity, impartiality, professionalism, and excellence,” the President urged when he formally swore into office the new auditor- general.
The swearing-in of Dr Graham as the 11th and first female Auditor-General of Ghana, which took place at the Presidency was witnessed by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the outgoing Auditor-General Mr Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu and a former Auditor-General Mr Daniel Yao Domlevo.
President Mahama said the Government had consistently affirmed that economic recovery and national development could not be achieved without strong institutions.
“Our efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, improve domestic revenue mobilization, 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 noted that every Ministry, Department, Agency, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly, state-owned enterprises and public officials must recognise that accountability is not optional, adding that it was a constitutional obligation.
He said the Auditor-General therefore, occupies a central place in the nation’s development agenda.
He noted that by identifying weaknesses in financial management systems, promoting compliance with the law and recommending corrective actions, the Office directly contributes to improving public service delivery and protecting the taxpayers’ money.
“My Government will continue to support the strengthening of the Audit Service through investment in modern audit technologies, digital systems, capacity-building and institutional reforms that enable the service to discharge its constitutional mandate effectively,” the President said.
He added that at the same time, all public institutions must cooperate fully with their Auditor-General and ensure the timely implementation of audit recommendations.
President Mahama said audit reports should never be viewed merely as statutory documents to be laid before Parliament; adding that they should serve as a practical management tool improve governance, strengthen internal controls, eliminate waste, and enhance the efficiency of public administration.
“And so, Dr. Graham, as you take the oath of office today, remember that the authority vested in you by the Constitution carries with it an equally profound responsibility.”
President Mahama added: “You inherit an institution whose credibility has been built over decades through professionalism and constitutional fidelity.
“Your duty is to preserve, strengthen and modernize that legacy.
“If you do so, you will end not only the confidence of the government, but more importantly the enduring trust of the Ghanaian people.”
The President said the strength of a democracy was measured not only by those who govern, but also by the institutions that hold governments accountable.
“Today’s constitutional transition reminds us that institutions endure beyond individuals. Our responsibility is to leave behind institutions that are stronger, that are more transparent and more effective than we came to meet them,” he said.
On her part, Dr Graham expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the honour done to her.
“I come into this role, with 25 years of professional experience in the private sector, where credibility is not negotiable; numbers must stand up to scrutiny, systems must work, and when they do not, there are consequences,” she said.
She added: “That discipline cannot remain at the boundaries of the private sector. I see this as an opportunity to bring in a fresh perspective grounded in professional rigor, global standards, and a strong culture of performance and results.”
Dr Graham noted that with over two decades of managing various engagements under the Office of the Auditor-General, she was acutely aware that the public service carries its own complexities.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah