President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to hold a high-level meeting today, Thursday, October 9, with the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, and other key justice sector stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing the persistent mismanagement of public funds in Ghana.

The President made the announcement during the 12th Annual Conference of Chairpersons of Governing Boards and Councils, Chief Directors, and Chief Executives organized by the Public Services Commission in Ho.

Expressing grave concern over recurring financial infractions highlighted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), President Mahama lamented the lack of accountability that has followed successive audit findings.

He cited recent audit reports revealing an estimated GH¢15 billion in financial losses due to misappropriation and irregularities.

“We need a more decisive approach to deter public officials who misuse state funds — a fast-track process to Nsawam,” President Mahama asserted, stressing that without strong deterrents, the cycle of mismanagement and impunity would persist.

He also criticized the weak enforcement of constitutional provisions that mandate Parliament to act on the Auditor-General’s findings, describing the current process as unclear and ineffective.

Further, the President condemned the poor performance of Audit Report Implementation Committees (ARICs) within government Ministries and Departments and Agencies, noting that many have failed to act on PAC’s recommendations.

President Mahama emphasised that the upcoming meeting aims to produce tangible reforms and establish clear legal mechanisms to ensure accountability for public officials found culpable of financial misconduct.

“The time has come for credible and enforceable systems that ensure real consequences for those who betray the public trust,” he declared.

He assured that outcomes from Thursday’s meeting would mark the beginning of meaningful reforms to end the culture of impunity in the management of public resources.