Auditor-General to introduce e-tracking system to monitor implementation of audit recommendations

Ghana's Auditor-General, Dr Pamela Graham, has unveiled plans to implement an electronic tracking system, named e-tracker, to monitor the execution of recommendations outlined in the Auditor-General's reports. This new system aims to facilitate public oversight of how Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), along with other public institutions, address financial irregularities and infractions identified by the Ghana Audit Service.

Dr Graham revealed this during a visit to the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) and other anti-corruption bodies in Accra, aimed at bolstering collaboration in the fight against corruption and enhancing accountability in the public sector.

The primary objective of the e-tracker is to tackle the issue of insufficient follow-up actions following the release of audit reports. Dr Graham emphasized that identifying these irregularities is not sufficient unless there are concrete steps to ensure accountability. While Parliament scrutinizes the reports through the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), additional measures are necessary to ensure that issues identified are thoroughly investigated and rectified.

She highlighted the crucial roles that institutions like the Internal Audit Agency and other relevant bodies play in preventing recurrence of infractions.

Dr Graham explained that the e-tracker will allow the public to track the progress of recommendations made by the Audit Service and evaluate the degree of implementation by public institutions. She also promised that the system would receive appropriate media coverage upon completion to ensure that citizens are well-informed about how to access and utilize the tool.

Dr Graham stressed the importance of collaboration among anti-corruption institutions, civil society organizations, and the media, asserting that no single entity can guarantee that findings lead to meaningful action. "We are just one voice, but if we get everyone collaborating, reading our reports, bringing out what is essential and sharing it with the public, I think that it’s a very good way to go," she remarked.

Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, welcomed the Auditor-General's initiative, viewing it as a strong commitment to accountability and institutional collaboration. She considered the visit historic, as it marked the first instance of an Auditor-General engaging directly with the Coalition.

Mrs Narteh highlighted the significance of the Ghana Audit Service being a member of the GACC, strengthening an existing partnership. She urged the Auditor-General's office to move beyond courtesy visits by establishing structured and regular meetings with civil society organizations to foster information-sharing and identify areas for improvement.

Mrs Narteh also encouraged other public institutions, especially those directly impacting citizens, to foster collaboration, arguing that no single institution can effectively fulfill its mandate without teamwork.