Northern MMDCEs Account to Parliament Over Audit Findings
The Northern Regional Minister, Mr Ali Adolf John, has led Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region to respond to audit queries before Parliament’s Select Committee on Local Government in Accra.
The engagement, held on Friday, focused on findings contained in the Auditor-General’s Report on the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) and the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The exercise formed part of Parliament’s oversight responsibilities to promote transparency, accountability and the prudent use of public funds within the local government system.
During the meeting, the MMDCEs provided explanations and clarifications on issues raised in the audit report, including financial irregularities, institutional transactions and compliance with public financial management regulations.
They also briefed the Committee on development projects and interventions being implemented by their respective Assemblies.
The presentations covered the Government’s 24-Hour Economy Market initiative, the construction of boreholes to improve access to potable water, and the disbursement of funds to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to support their livelihoods.
Other areas discussed included the mobilisation and utilisation of Internally Generated Funds (IGF), projects funded through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), interventions under the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), as well as sanitation and waste management activities.
The Committee sought further explanations from the heads of the institutions on identified audit infractions and matters relating to financial administration, with particular attention to compliance with established procedures and accountability standards.
Mr Ali Adolf John was accompanied by the Acting Chief Director of the NRCC, Mr Sumaila Ewuntomah Abudu, who supported the coordination of the regional delegation.
The engagement provided an opportunity for the Regional Coordinating Council and the Assemblies to account for their financial activities and respond to concerns raised by the Auditor-General.
It also highlighted the need for public institutions to strengthen internal controls, maintain proper financial records, comply with procurement procedures and implement audit recommendations to prevent the recurrence of irregularities.
The appearance before the Committee forms part of efforts to strengthen accountability in local government administration and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly and used for their intended development purposes.
Faustina Naa Ayele Johnson-ISD
