The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has revealed that Ghana achieved savings exceeding GH¢273 million in 2024 due to the diligent oversight efforts of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
The Speaker indicated that PAC’s comprehensive examination of public sector institutions not only recouped millions in public funds but also resulted in 252 recommendations designed to enhance transparency and accountability within government agencies.
Mr. Bagbin shared this information on Monday, June 2, during a courtesy visit from a high-level delegation of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) to Parliament House in Accra.
The delegation is in Ghana for a week-long mission to evaluate the country’s adherence to the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.
As part of their objectives, the AUABC will interact with key anti-corruption bodies, including the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), as well as civil society organizations (CSOs), to share best practices and pinpoint challenges in the battle against corruption.
The Speaker emphasized Ghana’s enduring commitment to fighting corruption, highlighting various legal reforms and institutional frameworks established over the years. He recalled that in 2001, the nation embraced a Zero Tolerance for Corruption policy, followed by significant legislation such as the Anti-Money Laundering Act, the Whistleblower Act, the Witness Protection Act, and more recently, the Right to Information Act.
He also noted the establishment of specialized anti-corruption agencies, including the Serious Fraud Office—now known as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO)—and the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
“Parliament has been at the forefront of these initiatives,” Mr. Bagbin remarked, pointing out that numerous internal reforms have also been enacted to bolster parliamentary accountability.
The measures taken include the implementation of a Code of Conduct for both members and staff, amendments to the House’s Standing Orders, and the creation of a specialized anti-corruption department within the governance structure of Parliament.
Additional reforms encompass the establishment of the Privileges Committee, the Ethics and Standards Office, and the Office of Profits—all designed to foster ethical behavior among legislators. Furthermore, a Citizens Bureau has been set up to enable the public and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to petition Parliament regarding national matters for further scrutiny and action.
Mr. Bagbin, who also serves as the chair of the Association of African Speakers, highlighted that Ghana’s Parliament actively engages in the African Network of Parliamentarians, which aims to advance good governance throughout the continent.
He assured the AU Advisory Board that Parliament would persist in its pivotal role in promoting integrity and fighting corruption as part of the nation’s development agenda.
The Chairperson of the AU Advisory Board, Madam Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhatè, praised Ghana for its leadership in anti-corruption initiatives. She pointed out that all African Union member states that have ratified the AU Convention are obligated to undergo regular reviews.
She expressed hope that the recommendations from the Board, following Ghana’s review, would further strengthen national anti-corruption institutions and bolster the country’s efforts to combat corruption.
The AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption was ratified on July 11, 2003, during the Second Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union in Maputo, Mozambique. It continues to serve as a fundamental framework for addressing corruption and its effects on development throughout Africa.
