Auditor-General’s findings should result in prosecutions, not intimidation – Kabiru Mahama

Kabiru Tiah Mahama has criticised the government’s response to issues raised in the Auditor-General’s Department report on arrears and payables as of the end of 2024, stating that the revelations should lead to prosecutions rather than what he described as attempts to create fear.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, March 10, Dr. Mahama said that although uncovering financial irregularities is important, authorities must ensure that individuals responsible for breaches of financial regulations are properly prosecuted.

He argued that simply publicising the findings without taking legal action may give the impression that the exercise is intended to intimidate rather than enforce accountability.

Dr. Mahama stressed that while transparency is necessary, due process must also be respected. He said individuals accused of financial wrongdoing should be allowed to defend themselves in court before being portrayed as guilty.

His comments follow recent disclosures by the Ministry of Finance to Parliament regarding findings from the Auditor-General’s report on government arrears and outstanding payments.

One of the concerns highlighted in the report involved about 10,000 metric tonnes of rice that the government reportedly paid for in 2024 to help address the effects of a dry spell but which has not yet been accounted for, raising questions about the management and distribution of emergency food supplies.

The Finance Ministry also reported that GH¢45.4 billion out of GH¢68.7 billion in claims submitted by contractors and suppliers had been verified and approved for payment after a detailed audit process.

However, GH¢8.1 billion worth of claims was rejected due to irregularities identified in the submissions, while an additional GH¢13.3 billion is still undergoing further verification because of incomplete documentation, missing contracts, or the absence of third-party confirmation.