By: Jones Anlimah
Efforts to strengthen public sector accountability and transparency in the Volta region has been given a major boost. This follows the inauguration of state-of-the-art Volta regional Audit Office Complex at a cost of 16.47 million Ghana cedis at Ho, in the Volta region.
The facility is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Ghana’s audit system through the establishment of new regional and district offices, supported by a 13 million euro loan from German financial cooperation.
Prior to the construction of the new office complex for the regional office of the Audit Service, the Service was operating from the Regional Health Directorate office building.
The newly inaugurated office complex at a cost of 16.47 Millon Ghana Cedis is thus expected to among others ensure a more comprehensive and effective audit process. It is also part of other 18 regional and district offices for the Audit Service being constructed across the country and funded through the German financial cooperation with a total loan amount of 13 million Euros.
According to the Government of Ghana and it’s partners, this initiative reflects their shared commitment to the principles of good governance and effective public administration.
The Auditor-General, Mr. Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, highlighted the critical role of the new regional and district offices in the overall mission of the Audit Service. “And we believe that it is something that is going to enhance our independence as an audit institution and we cannot forget what the German government has done for us through KFW by providing funding this project”, he said.
The Portfolio Manager of KFW, the German Development Bank, Viktoria Kowarzik, said Germany will continue to support Ghana’s development agenda through projects that seeks to build transparent and accountable institutions to foster economic growth.
“Good governance is a fundamental pillar of all German Development Cooperation projects. As it is the prerequisite for effective development. Transparent financial management will enhance the trust of the Ghanaian population in national institutions. Furthermore transparent and efficient procedure constantly monitored and improved will reduce costs for private companies thereby fostering economic growth.”, she stated.
The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, expressed his gratitude for the collaborative effort that led to the successful completion of the project. According to him the new office complex will significantly enhance the capacity of the Audit Service in the region and ensure that public funds are used efficiently and for the benefit of all Ghanaians.
“Undoubtedly this project will strengthen the regional and district infrastructure of the Audit Service thereby enhancing the execution of its constitutional mandate of promoting good governance, transparency, accountability and probability in Ghana’s financial management system.”, Dr. Letsa remarked.
The inauguration of the Volta Regional Office is expected to have a far-reaching impact, not only in improving the audit functions in the region but also in contributing to the overall good governance and development agenda of Ghana through promoting transparent financial management to increase the trust in national institutions.
