We should not be given power to prosecute – PAC Chairman James Klutse Avedzi

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), James Klutse Avedzi says PAC does not need additional powers to cause the direct arrest and prosecution of defaulting state institutions and officials who appear before it.

Speaking on the GTV Breakfast Show on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, Mr James Klutse Avedzi said the Standing Order 165 that established PAC, limits its work to the examination of audited accounts provided by the Auditor General, who is mandated to audit all public accounts of Ghana and present a report to Parliament.

“Our duty as the Public Accounts Committee is the examination of audited accounts” he said.

According to him, agencies and defaulters cited in the Auditor’s report are therefore referred to the appropriate quarters for prosecution.

“We do not have power to prosecute anybody who goes against the laws” Mr Avedzi said.

He insisted that the committee does not need additional powers to be efficient and effective in protecting the national purse when there are institutions already in place to help fight against state looters and prosecute them.

He said the Committee only recommends to institutions to prosecute.

PAC

The Public Accounts Committee is a body established under Standing Order 165 with not more than 25 members under the chairmanship of a member who does not belong to the party which controls the Executive Branch of Government.

Its mandate, is to examine audited accounts “showing the appropriation of sums granted by Parliament to meet Public Expenditure of government and of such other laid before Parliament.”

 

The Committee reports to Parliament at least twice in a year.