President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has called on African accountants to play a key role in ensuring proper management of public funds, urging them to advise governments and use modern digital tools, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance transparency and accountability.
Speaking at the Third African Association of Government Accountants Meeting (AAAG) at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), President Mahama emphasized that efficient use of public resources is essential for accelerating economic and social development across the continent.
“Africa is rich in natural resources, from minerals and gas to fertile land, yet poverty remains widespread due to mismanagement and lack of integrity in handling these resources,” he said.
“Public procurement, in particular, has often led to substantial losses when contracts are overpriced or do not reflect real market costs.”he added
He urged accountants to act as watchdogs of public resources, establishing strong systems to prevent financial mismanagement and advising leaders to prioritize efficiency and accountability.
Tanzania’s Accountant General, CPA Leonard Mkude, said the conference would adopt resolutions aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
These recommendations will be presented to African Heads of State as solutions to challenges associated with misuse of resources.
“The accounting profession is vital in ensuring that government funds are used correctly,” Mkude said. “Accountants oversee daily payments and the execution of projects critical to national development.”
The conference, held under the theme “Africa of Tomorrow: Strengthening Public Fund Management for Economic Prosperity,” brought together more than 2,000 participants from 55 African countries.
Mr. Fredrick Riaga, Executive Director of the African Association of Government Accountants, said the meeting focused on developing collective strategies for effective management of public funds.
Notable attendees included business leaders and Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, founder of the P.L.O. Lumumba Foundation, who delivered a keynote address on governance and accountability.
The gathering underscored the pivotal role of government accountants in ensuring Africa’s resources are managed effectively to drive sustainable development and economic growth.