Accra: Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the Deputy Finance Minister, has assured President John Dramani Mahama that his four-year administration will conclude without any scandals. This assurance was made during Mr Ampem's address at the opening of the Third Conference of the African Association of Accountants General (AAAG) in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the four-day conference, inaugurated by President Mahama and themed 'Africa of Tomorrow: Positioning PFM for Economic Prosperity,' is attended by 23 Accountants-General from across Africa. Mr Ampem revealed that President Mahama recently made a statement that has put all his appointees on high alert, warning that he would take strict action against anyone causing scandal to his government.
Mr Ampem emphasized that this stern warning serves to keep the President's appointees vigilant. He expressed gratitude towards President Mahama for his leadership and for constantly reminding public officers of their duties and responsibilities. He highlighted that it has been 10 months without a scandal, and he is optimistic that this trend will continue throughout the administration's tenure.
The Deputy Minister pointed out that Ghana's current leadership is achieving substantial results, mentioning significant reforms in the Public Financial Management (PFM) system over the past 10 months. These reforms include new fiscal rules, strengthened fiscal institutions, debt level thresholds, and procurement linked to budget processes to avoid arrears accumulation.
Mr Ampem noted that these reforms have led to a remarkable turnaround in Ghana's public finances, with macro-economic stability being retained and market sentiments significantly improved. He also mentioned the upgrade in credit ratings, attributing these achievements to a disciplined and integrity-driven economic governance agenda under President Mahama's leadership, which has focused on deepening PFM reforms.