<\/aside>\nThe current aggressive posture of the Auditor General, combined with the renowned anti-corruption tendencies of the newly appointed Special Prosecutor, is the clearest evidence yet of the Nana Akufo-Addo government\u2019s determination to fight the canker of corruption, according to Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the 8th Annual Accountability Lectures and the launching of the 2017 Financial Year\u2019s Audit organised by the Ghana Audit Service on Monday, 26th February, 2018 in Accra, the Vice President said Government is more determined than ever to block any leakages in the system, and expects the relevant agencies to play their part in the corruption fight<\/p>\n
\u201cI am happy that finally government has been able to establish the Office of the Special Prosecutor, inspite of some initial challenges. This is in line with the government\u2019s determination to fight corruption and protect the public purse for national development. It is my expectation and belief that the Auditor General and the Special Prosecutor will work closely in ensuring sound and effective public financial management in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese two institutions should work hard to bring to book any corrupt public official, be it a politician or public servant, without fear or favour.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the current posture of the Auditor General and what we know about the Special Prosecutor, I can say with confidence that the desire of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and this government to protect the public purse will come to pass sooner than later.\u201d<\/p>\n
Acknowledging the importance of timely and accurate information in the fight against corruption, Vice President Bawumia indicated that Government is working assiduously with Parliament to pass the Right To Information Bill \u2013 which has been in the works for the past 17 years \u2013 soon.<\/p>\n
\u201cGovernment holds the firm conviction that the works of the Auditor-General and Special Prosecutor can be enhanced when they have unfettered access to information. Mr. Chairman, President Akufo-Addo has directed that work on the Right To Information Bill be expedited for its passage this year; and I am assuring Ghanaians that the Right to Information Bill will soon become the law of the land.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Vice President pledged government\u2019s commitment to ensuring the independence of the Auditor General, saying \u201cI am sure the Auditor-General can testify that since coming into office, this Government has not interfered with his work. In fact, I can assure you that not only will we not interfere with your work, we will rather provide the right environment for the Auditor-General to continue doing his job.\u201d
\u201cI am proud to say that as we did in 2017, government is committed to releasing all your budgeted funds in 2018. Delays in the release of funds compromise your ability to meet deadlines for the submission of the Auditor- General\u2019s report to Parliament.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 8th Annual Accountability Lectures and launching of 2017 Financial Year\u2019s Audit organised by the Ghana Audit Service was under the theme, \u201cProtecting the Public Purse \u2013 Our Commitment Towards Ghana\u2019s Development Agenda\u201d.<\/p>\n
Other speakers at the event included the US Ambassador, H.E Robert P. Jackson, the Chairman of the Board of the Audit Service Prof Edward Dua Agyemang, and the Auditor General, Mr Paul Yaw Domelevo.<\/p>\n
A number of former Auditors-General including Mr Osei Tutu Prempeh, Prof Dua Agyemang and Mr Richard Quartey were honoured at the event.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
![](\"https:\/\/ghanamma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/dr-bawumia-1-475x267.jpg\")
<\/p>\n