By: Alex A. Bah
The Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has assured state and non-state actors of the Commission's commitment to protect public funds and enhance public service transparency. Augustine Foday Ngobie made the remarks during a one-day workshop on Public Financial Management (PFM) organized by the Society for Democracy Initiatives (SDI) on Thursday, July 21, 2022.
Speaking at the event held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Finance, Deputy Commissioner provided an overview of the importance of Public Financial Management, describing it as a system meant to achieve budget credibility, enhance proper resource allocation and efficient and effective service delivery. Mr Ngobie said that a PFM system provides the laws, rules and guiding systems and processes in the allocation of public funds, appropriating its spending, and provision for proper accounting and evaluation of audit results.
"A strong PFM system is an integral aspect for state effectiveness in the delivery of public services associated with poverty reduction and growth. In effect, Nations with strong transparent and accountable PFM system tend to deliver public services more effectively, equitably, efficiently and fairly," the Deputy Commissioner noted.
Mr Ngobie further emphasized on the importance of transparency in budgetary approaches, which, he said will reflect both input and output of resources and services respectively, highlighting a link between tax payers’ monies and the results of the services government provide from them.
The Deputy Commissioner also spoke on the core mandates of the ACC, noting that Prevention is the bedrock of its work. He informed them about the strides of the Commission in preventing corruption through systems and processes reviews on the operations of various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government.
He also told them that Public Education is also a key preventive tool, informing the reason for the Commission's revolutionized public education strategies that include town hall meetings, public lectures and media engagements, among others. He informed them that the Commission has an Information Desk at its head office, and the public is at liberty to jet in anytime during work hours to solicit information.
The Deputy Commissioner concluded by highlighting some of the challenges the Commission faces, noting that as a result of the huge public confidence in its work, especially in recent times, it is often overwhelmed with complaints that are outside its mandate and jurisdiction.
Representatives from various MDAs, civil society organizations, Parliament, etc. all formed part of the engagement.
©️ Public Relations Unit, ACC
