Newly sworn-in Auditor-General, Dr. Pamela Graham has called for stronger enforcement of audit findings, warning that public confidence in state institutions suffers when financial irregularities identified in audit reports are not acted upon.
Speaking after taking the oath of office at the Presidency, Dr. Graham said accountability must move beyond the publication of audit reports and be backed by timely and credible action against wrongdoing.
“Accountability must be enforced in a timely and credible manner. When findings are not acted upon, the system weakens further. When they are addressed decisively, trust begins to build up,” she said.
The new Auditor-General welcomed the establishment of dedicated High Courts to deal with infractions arising from audit reports, describing the move as a positive step toward strengthening accountability in the public sector.
“I welcome and fully endorse the establishment of dedicated high courts to handle infractions that emerge from the Auditor General’s report as a step in the right direction,” she stated.
Dr. Graham, the first woman to be appointed Auditor-General in Ghana’s history, said she was deeply honoured by the opportunity to lead one of the country’s most important constitutional institutions.
“As the first woman to occupy the sacred constitutional office, I am particularly humbled by the historic nature of this appointment,” she said.
She noted that while becoming an auditor had been a personal ambition from her teenage years, leading the Office of the Auditor-General had never been part of her plans.
“As a teenager, I wanted to be an auditor so bad, and I did become one. But to be the Auditor-General of the Republic of Ghana, that was not part of the dream,” she remarked.
Dr. Graham said the appointment should inspire young girls across the country to pursue their ambitions regardless of the challenges they may face.
“This appointment isn’t simply meant to serve as a milestone for the Ghanaian woman, but more importantly, as a source of great inspiration for every young girl across the country who dares to dream,” she said.
The Auditor-General described her office as the “conscience of the nation” and stressed that its work must be guided by integrity, fairness and strict adherence to the law.
“As the conscience of the nation, the Office of the Auditor-General carries a responsibility that demands integrity, fairness, and the resolve to remain grounded in law, even when it is difficult,” she said.
Drawing on her 25 years of experience in the private sector, Dr. Graham said she intends to bring professional discipline, global standards and a results-oriented approach to the office.
“I see this as an opportunity to bring in a fresh perspective grounded in professional rigor, global standards, and a strong culture of performance and results,” she stated.
She, however, acknowledged the unique challenges of public sector auditing and pledged to work closely with staff of the Ghana Audit Service to strengthen the institution.
“Therefore, it is imperative that I work hand-in-hand with all dedicated professionals within the service to strengthen what already exists, improve where necessary, and continue to build an institution that commands confidence and trust,” she said.
Dr. Graham also stressed the importance of preserving the independence of the Auditor-General’s office, describing it as essential to the credibility of its work.
“The strength of this office lies in its independence. This independence should be upheld and not abused, as it is a necessity for the work we do,” she said.
She pledged to serve with fairness, diligence and integrity while working to strengthen confidence in public institutions and restore trust in governance systems.
“As I take on this role, I commit to protect the integrity of the public purse, strengthen confidence in our institutions, and contribute in a practical and measurable way to restoring trust in the systems that serve our nation,” Dr. Graham said.
She succeeds Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu and becomes the first woman to head the institution since Ghana attained independence.
