Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Abena Osei-Asare, has described the GH¢138.91 billion overstatement in Ghana’s 2024 public debt as revealed by the Auditor-General as a serious error that demands immediate investigation.

According to the 2024 Audit Report, while the Controller and Accountant-General (CAG) reported Ghana’s total public debt as GH¢876.01 billion, the Ministry of Finance recorded a significantly lower figure of GH¢737.17 billion. This discrepancy exposes an overstatement of GH¢138.91 billion in the Whole of Government Accounts (WGA) submitted by the CAG.

In a Facebook post, Ms. Osei-Asare, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, stressed that such a substantial misstatement is more than just a clerical error. She said it highlights troubling gaps in internal controls, data consistency, and coordination among key financial management institutions.

“This is no ordinary mistake,” she stated. “The responsibility for preparing the Government of Ghana’s accounts lies solely with the Controller and Accountant-General. A misstatement of this magnitude raises important questions about internal controls, data harmonisation, and institutional coordination within our public financial management framework.”

Citing the Auditor-General’s own recommendations, she emphasized the need for urgent reforms and improved collaboration between the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant bodies to enhance the accuracy and integrity of national financial reporting.

Ms. Osei-Asare assured that the PAC will launch a thorough probe into the matter, engaging all institutions involved to uncover the root cause of the discrepancy and ensure full implementation of the Auditor-General’s proposed measures.

“This is about protecting the integrity of our public financial systems and rebuilding public trust. We must demand precision — not approximation — in our national accounts,” she stated, reaffirming the Committee’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and value for money in the use of public funds.

Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Ewurabena Aubynn, has been officially sworn in as a member of the Governing Board of the Ghana Shippers Authority.

Her appointment follows a historic electoral victory, where she became the second National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate to win the Ablekuma North seat since 1992. She secured the position during a highly competitive rerun on Friday, July 11, 2025.

As a first-time legislator, Aubynn brings a strong background in community service and social impact to the Board. She is well known for her grassroots engagement and philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Awula Foundation—a nonprofit she established in February 2023.

The Foundation has played a significant role in supporting vulnerable groups across the Ablekuma North Constituency, reinforcing her commitment to social development.

Her addition to the Ghana Shippers Authority Board is expected to deepen community-level engagement and influence inclusive policymaking in Ghana’s trade and logistics sector.

Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei has formally rejected her nomination to Ghana’s reconstituted delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, criticizing the decision as both procedurally flawed and politically divisive.

In a memo dated July 22 and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Madam Appiagyei expressed strong disapproval over the move to name her as a replacement for Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin without her knowledge or consent. She described the development as “deeply troubling” and warned it could deepen cracks within the Minority Caucus.

“There was an understanding by leadership that the Minority Leader would remain on the ECOWAS Parliament delegation, as communicated to the Committee of Selection,” she noted. “It is therefore deeply troubling that a contrary nomination was advanced on the floor without consultation.”

Afenyo-Markin, who was sworn in last year as a member and Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, still holds a valid mandate under ECOWAS protocols, which guarantee a four-year term to members. Madam Appiagyei stressed that none of the conditions for removal — such as resignation, Executive appointment, judicial appointment, or ineligibility — apply to him.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts to boost female representation in regional bodies, she cautioned against using gender inclusion as a smokescreen for political maneuvering.

“True inclusion must be built on transparent dialogue and not imposed at the expense of established norms,” she emphasized.

Madam Appiagyei has requested that her name be formally withdrawn from the resolution and urged Parliament to reverse the decision. She called for the maintenance of the original list of nominees — Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Kwame Anyimadu Antwi, and Bryan Acheampong.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I reiterate that I do not intend to accept the offer made to me by the House, and by this memo, I am refusing to be part of such a delegation,” she concluded. “I pray that the Clerk to Parliament does not communicate any such resolution to ECOWAS Parliament that includes my name.”