Accountability and transparency: The right of Ghanaians to demand from Parliamentarians

In any democratic society, holding public officials accountable is not just a right but a civic duty. Parliamentarians, as elected representatives of the people, are entrusted with a significant amount of responsibility, and Ghanaians have every right to demand transparency regarding their conduct and expenditure.

This includes scrutinising their salaries, allowances, and how taxpayers’ money is being used to fund their activities.

Is it Wrong for Ghanaians to Demand Accountability?

Absolutely not. In fact, demanding accountability from Members of Parliament (MPs) is central to maintaining the principles of good governance, transparency, and democracy. MPs are public servants whose primary role is to represent their constituencies, pass laws, and ensure government policies align with the interests of the people. It is crucial that they remain answerable to the people who elected them.

Parliamentarians are allocated a significant amount of public funds to carry out their duties effectively, including salaries, allowances for clothing, travel, sitting fees, and per diems. The use of these funds should be subject to public scrutiny.

Lawful Right to Seek Financial Audits

The Ghanaian Constitution, particularly Chapter 13 (Finance), establishes the office of the Auditor General to audit and report on the public accounts of all public institutions, including Parliament. This makes it lawful for citizens to demand an annual audit of the financial expenditures of Parliamentarians, which should cover the following areas:

Salaries and Allowances: MPs receive salaries, sitting allowances, and other benefits such as clothing and travel allowances. The public has a right to know if these funds are being used efficiently and whether they are in line with the financial regulations of the country.

Sitting and Travel Allowances: Parliamentarians receive sitting allowances for attending parliamentary sessions and travel allowances for official trips. Ghanaians are entitled to know if these funds are being used appropriately, especially given the financial challenges the country may face in various sectors like health, education, and infrastructure.

Public Funds Accountability: MPs are paid from taxpayer funds, which means every penny they receive must be justified. If there are concerns about waste or misuse of funds, the Auditor General has the constitutional mandate to audit Parliament’s financial accounts and ensure accountability.

The Role of the Auditor General:
The Auditor General’s role is to provide independent oversight and assurance that public funds are managed according to the law. This includes the power to investigate and report on the financial accounts of Parliament, including the allowances and salaries of MPs. Citizens can petition the Auditor General to demand specific audits of parliamentary expenditures if there is suspicion of corruption, overspending, or misuse of funds.

Moreover, according to Ghana’s legal framework, citizens have the right to access information, including financial reports of public institutions. The Right to Information Act (RTI), passed in 2019, empowers citizens to request such information from government agencies, including Parliament.

The Need for Transparency:
The demand for transparency is crucial for restoring public trust. Many citizens often feel disconnected from the activities of their MPs, especially when there is a perceived misuse of funds or lack of developmental impact within their constituencies. By making financial records available, Ghanaians can better assess whether their representatives are fulfilling their mandate.

To foster a culture of transparency, Parliament should voluntarily publish its financial reports, including details on salaries, allowances, and expenditures related to MPs. This would set a good example for other public institutions and help bridge the trust gap between the public and their representatives.

Why Accountability Matters:
Accountability ensures that public officials act in the best interests of the people. When MPs are transparent about their spending and activities, it reassures citizens that their tax contributions are being used effectively. Furthermore, it discourages corruption and the misuse of funds, as regular audits and public scrutiny act as deterrents to unethical behaviour.

In conclusion, it is not only lawful but also essential for Ghanaians to demand financial accountability from their MPs. The Auditor General, empowered by the Constitution, plays a crucial role in ensuring that Parliament remains transparent.

By holding their representatives accountable, citizens can help foster a government that is responsible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people.

 

 

Writer: Nana Kweku Ofori Atta/ Security consultant