Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called on members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to take a firmer stance in holding public officials responsible for the management of state resources. He made the remarks while addressing delegates at the African Organisation of Public Accounts Committees Conference. Bagbin urged PAC members to use every legal tool available, including detaining individuals who misbehave during committee hearings.
Bagbin drew on his own experience as a former PAC member, recalling instances where he ordered the detention of individuals. He stressed that committee members must be willing to confront those in power when they fall short and enforce consequences. The Speaker noted that detaining unruly or uncooperative officials overnight during hearings was both legally permitted and practically effective.
According to Bagbin, the PAC's work should never be treated lightly, as it is a serious business that ensures good governance. He grounded his remarks in the relationship between citizens and government, arguing that public officials hold resources in trust and must answer for how they use them. The PAC exists precisely to enforce that accountability on behalf of ordinary Ghanaians.
Bagbin urged members to discharge their oversight duties with diligence and without compromise, insisting that public financial accountability is central to good governance and cannot be treated as a matter for negotiation or leniency. He added that exercising their mandate decisively is not optional but essential. The Speaker's call for courage in oversight is significant in Ghana's efforts to promote accountability.
The Speaker's comments come after a recent incident where a Facebook post went viral, showing the Speaker in Parliament speaking. Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin dismissed a motion brought by the Minority caucus that sought to establish a special parliamentary committee to examine a string of major narcotics interceptions linked to Ghana.
Bagbin's remarks have been attributed to his experience and commitment to ensuring accountability in Ghana's governance. As a former PAC member, he has firsthand knowledge of the challenges and importance of enforcing accountability. His comments are seen as a significant move to strengthen the role of the PAC in Ghana's governance.
The issue of accountability is crucial in Ghana, where citizens expect transparency and responsible management of public resources. The PAC plays a vital role in ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions. With Speaker Bagbin's urging, PAC members are expected to take a firmer stance in enforcing accountability and taking decisive action against officials who fail to account for public funds.
Key points
- Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin urges PAC members to invoke their legal powers, including detaining officials who misbehave during hearings.
