Haruna Mohammed: The Ghana Audit Service is Being Undermined, Claims NPP Official

Introduction

In a recent critique of Ghana’s public sector integrity mechanisms, Haruna Mohammed, the Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has raised alarm regarding the operational capacity of the Ghana Audit Service. Speaking on PleasureNews’ The Pulse during a “Year in Review” dialogue in late 2025, Mohammed argued that the premier accountability institution is being systematically undermined. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of his claims, exploring how budgetary constraints and political decisions may be affecting the fight against corruption in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

To understand the gravity of these claims, it is essential to contextualize the role of the Ghana Audit Service (GAS). Established under the Audit Service Act, GAS is mandated to audit and report on the accounts of all public bodies and statutory corporations. Its independence is crucial for ensuring transparency in the management of public funds.

The Role of the Auditor General

The Auditor General, as the head of the Service, plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s governance structure. Article 187 of the 1992 Constitution grants the Auditor General the authority to audit and report on the accounts of the government and other public funds. Historically, the Service’s reports have been the basis for investigations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament and subsequent actions by law enforcement agencies.

Political Context of 2025

The remarks were made during a “Year in Review” discussion in 2025, a period characterized by intense political scrutiny of the government’s performance. In Ghana’s Fourth Republic, the fight against corruption is often a central campaign issue. Accusations of “suffocating” accountability institutions are common political rhetoric used by opposition parties to challenge the incumbent government’s commitment to transparency.

Analysis

Haruna Mohammed’s statement, “If you are making the Auditor General deficient, you suffocate the office, and you cannot expect significant results,” touches on a fundamental aspect of public administration: the relationship between resources and output.

Financial Constraints and Institutional Efficacy

The allegation that budget lines and allowances have been “sidelined” suggests a form of administrative starvation. If true, this would directly impact the Service’s ability to conduct forensic audits, maintain specialized staff, and utilize technology for tracking financial malfeasance. A poorly funded audit service cannot effectively trace complex financial flows, which are often used to hide corruption.

Legal Implications of Nolle Prosequi

Perhaps the more severe allegation is the claim that the government has filed nolle prosequi in seven critical cases. Nolle prosequi is a legal declaration by a prosecutor to abandon a case. While the Attorney General has the discretion to enter a nolle prosequi, doing so in high-profile corruption cases often invites public distrust. The specific cases mentioned—Saglemi Housing and Bank of Ghana matters—involve significant public interest and alleged financial loss to the state.

By linking the weakening of the Audit Service with the discontinuation of these cases, Mohammed paints a picture of a dual strategy: reducing the capacity to find new corruption (via the Audit Service) and halting the punishment of past corruption (via the courts).

Practical Advice

For citizens, journalists, and civil society organizations seeking to verify these claims or engage with the issue of accountability, the following steps are recommended:

Verifying Budgetary Allocations

Transparency in government spending is a right. Citizens can review the Appropriation Bills and the national budget documents presented to Parliament. Look specifically for the allocation to the Audit Service under the “Independent Institutions” or “Executive” sections of the budget to see if there have been cuts or realignments.

Tracking Court Records

To verify the discontinuation of cases, one can search the General Law Reports or contact the Information Department of the courts. When a nolle prosequi is entered, it is recorded in the court docket. Civil Society Organizations like Transparency International Ghana or the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition often track these legal developments.

Engaging with the Auditor General’s Reports

Despite alleged constraints, the Auditor General still submits annual reports to Parliament. Citizens should read these reports (often available on the GAS website or in parliamentary records) to see the findings. If the Service is indeed “suffocating,” the scope and depth of these reports may reflect that reality.

FAQ

Conclusion

The allegations made by Haruna Mohammed regarding the Ghana Audit Service highlight a critical tension in Ghana’s governance: the necessity of a robust, well-funded, and independent audit mechanism versus the political and financial realities of the day. Whether through budgetary allocations or the handling of legal cases, the perception that accountability bodies are being “suffocated” poses a risk to public trust. For the government to refute these claims effectively, it must demonstrate tangible support for the Audit Service and provide clear justifications for any legal decisions to discontinue high-profile corruption cases.