The Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority, Michael Kpessa-Whyte, has given state-owned enterprises (SOEs) until April 30, 2026, to submit their financial accounts or face sanctions.

According to him, all SOEs are required to submit both unaudited and audited financial statements within the stipulated deadline to ensure transparency and effective oversight.

Speaking at the 2026 SIGA Annual Stakeholders’ Conference and Presidential Excellence in Leadership Awards held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Mr. Kpessa-Whyte stressed that delays in financial reporting weaken regulatory supervision, increase financial risk, and undermine accountability in the management of public resources.

He noted that while many SOEs are beginning to show signs of recovery, recording improved revenues and operational performance across key sectors, returns to the state remain below expectations.

Despite the gains, dividend payments to government continue to be low, prompting a call for profitable institutions to begin making consistent contributions to the national purse.

“State-owned enterprises must not only perform but also deliver value to the people of Ghana through dividend payments,” he emphasised.

Mr. Kpessa-Whyte further attributed losses in some SOEs to poor corporate governance practices and weak internal control systems. He warned against conflicts of interest in procurement, recruitment, and contracting processes, describing such practices as detrimental to institutional integrity.

He called on boards and management teams to strengthen internal systems, ensure the effectiveness of audit and risk committees, and promote prudent management of public funds.

The directive forms part of ongoing efforts by SIGA to enhance accountability, improve performance, and ensure that state-owned enterprises contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economic development.