The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has raised concerns over financial irregularities amounting to about GH¢5.2 billion cited during the examination of the Auditor-General’s 2025 report, calling for further explanations on the figures.
He said the reported irregularities, including about GH¢4.8 billion relating to tax matters, raised questions about the management of public funds and the need to strengthen accountability in public institutions.
Mr Bagbin made the remarks at the 2026 Presidential Luncheon of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), in Accra.
Referring to the work of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Abena Osei-Asare, the Speaker clarified that the figures should not be treated as confirmed findings of wrongdoing, stressing the need for further clarification.
“If you all recall, this month, October, as the committee began hearings on the 2025 report, its chairperson, Hon. Abena Osei-Asare, reported that about GH¢5.2 billion, of which about GH¢4.8 billion related to tax matters, had been cited. This is not a finding to that effect. Some questions need to be explained,” he said.
His comments come amid concerns about financial management in the public sector and the role of professionals responsible for ensuring that public resources are properly accounted for.
Mr Bagbin also drew attention to the absence of chartered accountants on the boards and councils of some public institutions, warning of the implications for financial oversight and accountability.
He assured participants that Parliament would consider legislative measures to promote the representation of chartered accountants on the boards and councils of relevant public institutions.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of ICAG, Dr Eric Oduro Osae, called for stronger internal controls and accountability systems to prevent financial irregularities and promote the prudent use of public funds.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Oduro Osae emphasised the importance of compliance, integrity and accountability in strengthening governance.
“Right Honourable Speaker, compliance sets the standards, integrity gives it meaning, and accountability turns it into lasting value to promote the good governance our country needs,” he said.
The 2026 Presidential Luncheon was held under the theme: “Beyond Compliance: Chartered Accountants as Catalysts for Governance, Growth and Accountability.”
By Daniel Opoku
