President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Dr. Pamela Graham as Ghana’s new Auditor-General, urging her to uphold the highest standards of integrity, independence and professionalism in safeguarding the nation’s public resources.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Presidency on Thursday, July 2, President Mahama said, “The work of the Auditor-General extends far beyond auditing accounts.
It strengthens confidence in public institutions, promotes prudent financial management, deters waste and corruption, and provides Parliament and the people of Ghana with the assurance that those entrusted with public resources remain accountable for every cedi they spend.”
According to him, the role of the Auditor-General is especially important at a time when Ghanaians are demanding greater transparency and accountability from public institutions.
President Mahama expressed confidence in Dr. Graham’s ability to lead the institution, citing her extensive professional experience and competence.
“As you assume office today, you do so not in service to any government, political party or individual, but in service to the Constitution and the people of Ghana,” he stated.
He stressed that the independence of the Auditor-General’s office remains essential to maintaining public confidence in the country’s governance system. He urged Dr. Graham to be guided at all times by facts, evidence and the law.
The President also paid tribute to the outgoing Auditor-General for his contribution to strengthening public accountability and thanked him for his service to the nation.
President Mahama linked effective auditing to the government’s broader economic recovery and development agenda, saying efforts to restore macroeconomic stability, improve revenue mobilisation, expand infrastructure, promote exports and implement the 24-Hour Economy policy all depend on the prudent management of public resources.
He reminded public officials across all sectors that accountability is a constitutional obligation and not a matter of discretion.
“Every Ministry, Department and Agency, every Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly, every state-owned enterprise and every public official must recognise that accountability is not optional; it is a constitutional obligation,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the Ghana Audit Service through investments in technology, digital systems, staff development and institutional reforms.
He also called on public institutions to cooperate fully with the Auditor-General and ensure that audit recommendations are implemented promptly.
President Mahama said audit reports should serve as practical tools for improving governance, strengthening internal controls and eliminating waste rather than merely fulfilling statutory requirements.
Addressing Dr. Graham directly, he urged her to protect the legacy of the institution and lead with courage, fairness and humility.
“You inherit an institution whose credibility has been built over decades through professionalism and fidelity to the Constitution. Your duty is to preserve, strengthen and modernise that legacy,” he said.
He expressed confidence that her leadership would strengthen public trust in state institutions and help protect the interests of Ghanaian taxpayers.
The President concluded by noting that strong institutions are essential to every thriving democracy and that the Auditor-General’s office remains central to ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance in Ghana.
