London: The President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong warning to individuals implicated in financial irregularities captured in Auditor-General's reports, stating that those found responsible will be required to repay misappropriated state funds or face imprisonment. Speaking during a meeting in the United Kingdom on Sunday, May 31, 2026, he expressed concern over the huge financial losses the country continues to record through misappropriation and poor financial management.
According to Ghana Web, the President's comments come amid financial management scrutiny within state institutions following recent sittings of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee. One of the cases involved officials of the Ho Municipal Assembly, who were directed to refund GHS138,000 within 60 days after being cited for audit-related breaches. President Mahama emphasized that the recurring findings in the Auditor-General's reports reveal deep-rooted challenges in public sector accountability and the management of state resources.
The President highlighted that Ghana loses 12 billion cedis annually due to misappropriations, as reported by the Auditor General. He disclosed that the chief justice has set up audit courts, marking a significant step towards ensuring that audit infractions attract sanctions and are not merely discussed at parliamentary hearings.
President Mahama explained that individuals cited in audit reports will not only be summoned before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee but will also be prosecuted through the courts to recover lost public funds. He stated that the Attorney General and the Auditor General are committed to taking legal action against those who have misappropriated funds, with the possibility of imprisonment for offenders.
The President further stated that the Attorney-General and Auditor-General will collaborate to pursue cases arising from audit findings and ensure that persons responsible for financial losses are held accountable, underscoring the government's commitment to improving financial management and accountability within state institutions.