Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee(PAC) of Parliament Abena Osei-Asare has stated that accountability in the use of public funds is the lifeblood for sustainable development and engendering public trust, stressing that accounting for the use of public funds must not seen as optional.
She noted that the development challenges confronting West African countries are linked to the use of public funds and therefore accountability cannot be optional.
Speaking as Guest Speaker at the 3rd Meeting of the ECOWAS Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (ECASAI) here in Accra Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Member of Parliament for Atiwa East and Former Deputy Finance Minister, called on West African audit institutions to, among other things, partner, invest in capacity building of personnel, and ensure transparency and accountability in their work
“The challenges facing West Africa – from economic hardship to growing frustration among our youth – are deeply connected to how we manage public finances. Accountability isn’t optional; it’s the lifeblood of sustainable development and public trust,” she said in a statement after the ceremony.
She further underscored the importance of supreme audit institutions as critical in the fight against corruption and the quest to attain financial freedom.
“Supreme Audit Institutions are not just watchdogs – they are partners in our fight against corruption and our march toward economic freedom.
The citizens of West Africa deserve better service delivery, and robust public financial management systems are essential to achieving this,” she added.
The ECOWAS Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (ECASAI) serves as the sub-regional body for national-level audit institutions in the ECOWAS member states. ECASAI aims to promote collaboration, share expertise, and establish a common standard for auditing among its member countries, enhancing transparency and accountability in the management of public finances within the region.
