Parliament approves independent audit of Auditor-General’s Office

Parliament has formally adopted a report from an Ad Hoc Committee recommending the appointment of an independent auditor to examine the financial records of the Auditor-General’s Office. The decision was reached on November 3, 2026, during the House's first sitting following its recent recess. This move signals a commitment to ensuring that the very institution tasked with overseeing public expenditure is itself subject to rigorous financial scrutiny and accountability.

The appointment of an external auditor for the Auditor-General is a specific requirement under Article 187 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. While the Auditor-General is responsible for auditing all public accounts in the country, the Constitution mandates that Parliament appoint an independent professional or firm to audit the Auditor-General’s own accounts to prevent any potential conflict of interest. This mechanism is designed to uphold the principles of transparency and fiscal discipline within the state's supreme audit institution.

By implementing this constitutional provision, Parliament aims to strengthen the internal oversight frameworks of the Auditor-General’s Office and enhance public confidence in its operations. Lawmakers emphasized that the move is necessary to ensure the office remains beyond reproach as it continues its work of safeguarding the public purse. While the House has approved the committee's recommendation, the specific individual or firm to conduct the audit has not yet been named, and the formal selection process is expected to commence shortly.