The Parliamentary Committee on Local Government and Rural Development has commenced a series of public hearings to review issues concerning decentralisation, local governance, and rural development.

Opening the session, Chairperson of the Committee, Miss Queenster Pokuah Sawyerr, underscored the importance of addressing internal audit findings promptly rather than waiting for external auditors.

She urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, as well as coordinating councils, to treat audit reports with urgency to ensure accountability and safeguard public funds.

The Agona East MP emphasised that effective collaboration between internal and external auditors is essential to guarantee that every cedi allocated to Assemblies is properly accounted for and contributes directly to community development.

Hon. Dr. Sebastian Sandaare, MP for Daffiama/Bussie/Issa and a member of the Committee, explained that the Committee’s oversight role is guided by Parliament’s Standing Orders and directives from the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.

He clarified that their mandate differs from that of the Public Accounts and Government Assurances Committees, noting that their focus is on understanding the challenges Assemblies face in implementing projects in order to strengthen local governance policy.

The Committee has so far engaged Assemblies from the Greater Accra Region and is expected to continue its sittings with Assemblies from the Central Region in the coming days.