Frederick Lokko, the Assistant Director of Audit and Information Officer at the Ghana Audit Service, has urged the media to enhance the accuracy of their reporting on matters concerning the Auditor-General’s findings and public financial management.
He made this request during a national capacity-building workshop for journalists regarding the CitizenEye App and the comprehension of the Auditor-General’s reports, held in Accra on Friday, November 21.
Lokko commended the media for its role in advancing Ghana’s democratic progress but pointed out that inaccuracies in reporting—particularly regarding cash irregularities—can often result in public confusion. He clarified that the irregularities identified in audit reports do not necessarily indicate misappropriation.
He explained that an irregularity is simply an action that contravenes the law. He stressed that not every cash irregularity implies that public officials have embezzled funds. In some cases, the issue pertains to procedural matters, such as transactions executed outside the GIFMIS system, which must still be reported due to their monetary implications.
Lokko encouraged journalists to thoroughly read the complete Auditor-General’s reports, including the recommendations, prior to publishing their articles. He stated that this practice would aid the public in grasping the context of audit findings and prevent the formation of misleading perceptions regarding the misuse of state resources.
He also clarified the role of the Auditor-General, indicating that the office lacks prosecutorial authority. Its jurisdiction concludes with the issuance of recommendations, disallowance, and surcharge certificates, while enforcement and prosecution are the responsibilities of entities such as the Attorney-General’s Department.
During the workshop, participants were also educated on various types of audit reports—financial, compliance, performance, and information systems audits. Lokko urged reporters to give special attention to performance audits, which assess whether public resources are utilized economically, efficiently, and effectively.
He stated that these reports frequently emphasize concerns that are significant to the public, such as inadequate infrastructure provision, rather than merely concentrating on financial deficits.
He emphasized the importance of media reports capturing these broader aspects, enabling the public to comprehend how inefficiencies and negligence impact service delivery.
Lokko also presented journalists with the CitizenEye App, a digital tool that empowers citizens to report national issues directly to the Audit Service. The matters reported via the app assist in directing and prioritizing specific audits.
