President John Dramani Mahama has officially sworn in Dr Pamela Graham as Ghana’s new Auditor-General, making her the first woman to head the institution since the country attained independence.  She succeeds the outgoing Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Presidency, President Mahama urged Dr Graham to execute her constitutional mandate with independence, fairness, and courage.

The Mandate for Transparency

President Mahama emphasised that the office plays a central role in protecting the public purse, ensuring that state resources are managed efficiently in the interest of citizens. He added that proper auditing is critical to the government’s wider development and economic recovery plans, including the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy policy.

"As you assume office today, you do so not in service to any government, political party or individual, but in service to the Constitution and the people of Ghana," the president stated.

He reminded all public officials across ministries, departments, and state-owned enterprises that accountability is a mandatory constitutional duty rather than a matter of choice. To assist the Ghana Audit Service, the president pledged continued state support through investments in technology, digital systems, and institutional reforms.

A Call for Timely Action

Addressing the ceremony after taking her oath of office, Dr Graham, who brings 25 years of private-sector experience to the role, called for the strict enforcement of audit findings. She warned that public trust in state institutions erodes when identified financial irregularities are left unaddressed.

“Accountability must be enforced in a timely and credible manner,” Dr Graham noted, stating that public financial oversight must move past the mere publication of reports and lead to direct action against wrongdoing.

The new Auditor-General welcomed the establishment of dedicated High Courts specifically tasked with handling infractions arising from audit reports. 

Describing the appointment as a humbling milestone, she expressed hope that her historic role would inspire young girls across the country to pursue their ambitions.