Controller and Accountant-General trains middle-level accounting staff in Takoradi

The Controller and Accountant-General Department has held its 7th training session of Middle Level Accounting Staffs on Public Sector Financial Management in Takoradi in the Western Region.

The 3-Days intensive training programme was aimed at enhancing the capacities and capabilities of the middle level accounting officers to enable them to discharge their work efficiently.

In his open remark at the official opening on Tuesday 3rd September 2019, the Controller and Accountant-General, Mr. Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem said his outfit is implementing initiatives and policies aimed at enhancing and strengthening service delivery including Electronic Salary Payment Voucher “ESPV”, Treasury Single Account “TSA”, Electronic Fund Transfer “EFT” to stakeholders.

Others include: International Public Sector Accounting Standards “IPSAS” and Government General Reporting (GoG, DF, IGF, and SFs) in 2020. According to Mr. Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System “GIFMIS” being the core platform for prudent and transparent Public Financial Management in Ghana is one of the initiatives of the Government.

The Public Financial Management – PMF Act  enacted in 2016, together with its related regulations provide a sound legal and institutional foundation for the regulation of financial management in Ghana, defining responsibilities of persons entrusted with the management and control of public resources, ensuring funds are sustainable and consistent with the level of public debt and providing for accounting and audit of public funds and related matters.

The PFM legal instrument among other key legislation mandate the Controller and Accountant-General to develop efficient accounting system for covered entities, receive, disburse and provide secured custody for public funds, to authorize the opening of bank account for covered entities and be responsible for the classification and management of value books.

He further stated, it is heartwarming to note that GIFMIS since its implementation in 2012 has seen deployed to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies subsisting on the Consolidated Fund as well as in 260 MMDA’s.

“It is my expectation that the training will add value and quality to the accounting staffs and place them better and sharper frame to perform and discharge their duties in efforts to improve the lives of the vast majority of citizens”, Mr. Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem stated

According to him, the department’s main source of reference in the performance of their duties is the Public Financial Management ACT, 2016 (Act 921) and its regulations.

Mr. Kwaning-Bosompem revealed that the output of account officers has direct impact on the core deliveries of the Controller and Accountant-General Department such as budget execution, accounting, financial reporting and advisory role. “You are therefore the ambassadors of the Controller and Accountant-General in the regions, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies”.

Filed By: BENJAMIN BRAY-TAKORADI