The African Organization of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC) and the Parliament of Ghana have opened a conference in Accra focused on strengthening financial oversight across the continent.
The event is being held under the theme: “Oversight for Resilience: Strengthening Africa’s Public Accounts Committees (PACs) Amid a Shifting Financial Landscape.”
In their opening remarks, AFROPAC Chairperson Patrick Nsamba Osache and Deputy Chairperson Hon. Abena Osei-Asare stressed the importance of public accountability. They also urged Public Accounts Committees (PACs) to remain focused on protecting and serving the interests of citizens.
Delivering the keynote address, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban S. K. Bagbin, praised Ghana’s PAC and called for closer cooperation between committees across Africa.
Mr Bagbin also highlighted the role of the media in supporting public oversight. He urged governments to provide PACs with the resources and authority required to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
The Speaker subsequently declared the conference officially open.
Other dignitaries who addressed the gathering included Hon. Jasaw Seidu Godfred MP for Wa East, Majority Leader, Hon. James Agalga; the Auditor-General, Dr. Pamela Graham; the Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror; Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem; and Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
