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Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has called on African parliaments to strengthen mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations, stressing that the commitment to public financial accountability must remain consistent, irrespective of which political party is in power.
Addressing delegates at the 6th AFROPAC General Meeting held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, he cautioned against the tendency for political actors to champion accountability while in opposition but abandon the same principles when they assume the responsibility of governing.
He said the protection of public resources must not be treated as a partisan agenda but as a fundamental obligation of every public officeholder, adding that the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight must be demonstrated through concrete actions and measurable outcomes.
According to him, citizens expect more than declarations of shared commitments from parliamentary institutions. They want to see tangible improvements in governance, transparency and the management of public resources. He therefore challenged participants to ensure that the credibility of the conference would be reflected in the reforms and practical measures they pursue upon returning to their respective parliaments.
“The responsibility to protect the public purse must remain constant regardless of who holds political office,” he said.
Mr Afenyo-Markin further emphasised the importance of active participation by both the Majority and Minority in ensuring effective parliamentary oversight. He noted that the Majority must regard scrutiny as an essential component of good governance rather than an inconvenience to government business, while the Minority must discharge its oversight responsibilities with diligence, fairness and commitment to evidence.
He maintained that Public Accounts Committees (PACs) have a constitutional responsibility to serve the interests of the people and must therefore rise above immediate political considerations in the performance of their duties.
He argued that the effectiveness of African parliaments should not be judged merely by the volume of legislation they pass, but also by their ability to scrutinise public expenditure, demand accountability and ensure that state resources are utilised for their intended purposes.
“The strength of African parliaments will not be measured by the number of bills they pass but by the vigilance with which they guard the public purse. Every public expenditure represents a decision taken in the name of the people,” he stated.
The Minority Leader urged AFROPAC to use the 6th General Meeting as an opportunity to renew its commitment to strengthening parliamentary oversight across the continent, particularly by ensuring that recommendations contained in audit reports are not left unattended.
He called for practical approaches that would compel public institutions and officials to act on audit findings, stressing that accountability must go beyond identifying financial irregularities to ensuring that corrective measures are implemented and those responsible are held to account where necessary.
He further advocated a governance culture in which the management of public resources comes with a clear and enforceable obligation to account, noting that effective oversight is essential to building resilient democratic institutions and promoting public confidence in government.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said African countries could only make meaningful progress in strengthening democratic governance if their parliaments remained vigilant, independent and committed to protecting the interests of citizens.
He urged delegates to translate the discussions and commitments made at the conference into practical reforms that would strengthen accountability systems and improve the management of public finances across Africa.
“Africa is counting on us. Posterity will judge our stewardship. Let us rise to the occasion and deliver oversight that builds true resilience for our continent,” he concluded, while wishing participants fruitful deliberations.
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By: www.frontpageghana.com/Ghana
