The Ghana Audit Service has called on journalists to exercise care and precision when reporting on cash irregularities highlighted in Auditor-General’s reports. They emphasized that such irregularities do not necessarily imply outright misappropriation of public funds. This message was conveyed during a recent capacity-building workshop designed to enhance media understanding of audit reports and introduce the CitizensEye App, an anti-corruption platform aimed at increasing transparency and civic engagement.
Fredrick Lokko, Assistant Director of Audit and Information Officer, explained that the term “cash irregularities” often causes misunderstanding. He clarified that many reported irregularities simply indicate procedural deviations such as transactions not processed through the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS)—rather than direct theft of funds. This distinction is crucial for responsible journalism, as it helps prevent misleading narratives that could unfairly damage reputations or erode public trust.
Lokko further urged media practitioners to thoroughly review the entire audit reports, especially the recommendations section, before publishing stories. This comprehensive approach would enable the public to properly differentiate between administrative errors, negligence, and cases that might involve financial harm. By doing so, journalists can contribute to informed public discourse that supports accountability rather than sensationalism.
Deputy Auditor-General Lawrence Ayagiba highlighted the timeliness of the workshop, noting the technical nature of audit reports often makes them hard for ordinary citizens to understand. He underscored the vital role the media plays in translating these technical findings into clear and accessible language. This helps citizens recognize how local audits apply to their communities, fostering greater participation in governance and oversight.
The workshop also featured a demonstration of the CitizensEye App by Director of Audits Roberta Ntim and her team. This digital platform empowers citizens to report suspected fraud, waste, or poor service delivery directly to the Audit Service. Supported by legal provisions under Section 51 of the Audit Service Regulations, 2011 (C.I. 70), the app helps the Audit Service identify urgent public concerns swiftly. Journalists were encouraged to promote the app and integrate it into their reporting, thereby enhancing public engagement and reinforcing efforts toward fiscal transparency and accountability.
Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku