The Auditor-General of Ghana, Dr. Pamela Graham, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Robert Taliercio O’Brien (World Bank Division Director) as part of efforts to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the Ghana Audit Service (GAS) and the World Bank in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in the management of public resources.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both institutions to reflect on the significant support the World Bank has provided to the GAS over the years and to explore new avenues for collaboration aimed at enhancing the Service's capacity to deliver impactful, independent and value-adding audits.
During the discussions, Dr. Graham underscored the critical role of the GAS as the country's Supreme Audit Institution, responsible for providing independent external oversight and accountability over the use of public funds. She emphasized that strong partnerships with development partners such as the World Bank remain vital in strengthening audit methodologies, institutional capacity and the use of innovative approaches to generate greater audit impact and support improved public sector performance.
The Auditor-General expressed appreciation to the World Bank for its continued support to the GAS through various technical assistance initiatives, knowledge-sharing programmes and capacity-building interventions. She noted that these efforts have contributed significantly to enhancing the Service's ability to conduct high-quality financial, performance, compliance and procurement audits across the public sector.
Dr. Graham further highlighted the importance of sustaining ongoing reforms within the GAS to ensure that the institution remains responsive to emerging governance challenges and increasing public expectations. In this regard, she welcomed discussions on opportunities for future technical assistance and potential funding support to strengthen institutional systems, digital transformation initiatives, professional development and audit innovation.
The World Bank Country Director reaffirmed the Bank's commitment to supporting accountability institutions in Ghana and acknowledged the critical contribution of the Ghana Audit Service in promoting transparency, strengthening public financial management and safeguarding public resources. The Director emphasized the World Bank's readiness to continue engaging with the Service to identify strategic areas of collaboration that will enhance audit effectiveness and contribute to improved governance outcomes.
On behalf of the Ghana Audit Service, Dr. Graham conveyed her sincere gratitude to the World Bank Country Director and team for making time to meet with her and the delegation at short notice. She remarked that it was particularly valuable to learn more about the World Bank Ghana Office's longstanding support to the Service and to discuss practical opportunities for deepening the partnership in the years ahead.
The Auditor-General stated that she looks forward to maintaining the dialogue and welcomes further engagements that will advance the shared objective of strengthening accountability, improving public sector governance and ensuring that public resources deliver maximum value for the citizens of Ghana.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation and pursue initiatives that will further reinforce the effectiveness and impact of public sector auditing as a cornerstone of democratic accountability and sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by Esinam Julia Ndoum (World Bank Financial Management Specialist), Roberta Assiamah-Appiah (DAG CAD), Samuel Nii Odartey Lamptey (DAG F&A/HRD), Patrick Neequaye (GAS PFM Focal), and Maame Ebe Ackah (Special Assistant to AG).
