President Mahama swears in Dr Pamela Graham as the First Female Auditor-General of the Republic of Ghana

President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in Dr. Pamela Graham as the Auditor-General of the Republic of Ghana, charging her to uphold the highest standards of independence, integrity and professionalism in safeguarding the nation’s public finances.

Administering the oath of office at the Presidency in Accra, President Mahama described the ceremony as more than a constitutional formality, saying it reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, transparency, accountability and sound public financial management.
He said the Office of the Auditor-General occupies a vital place in Ghana’s constitutional architecture as one of the principal guardians of the public purse.

“The Auditor-General’s work extends far beyond auditing accounts. It strengthens confidence in public institutions, promotes prudent financial management, deters waste and corruption, and assures Parliament and the people of Ghana that public resources are being managed responsibly,” the President said.

President Mahama noted that in a developing economy where every public investment must deliver measurable benefits, the Auditor-General plays a critical role in strengthening governance, improving investor confidence and reinforcing public trust in state institutions.
Congratulating Dr. Graham on her appointment, the President expressed confidence in her ability to discharge her constitutional mandate with competence, impartiality and courage.

“As you assume office today, you do so not in service of any government, political party or individual, but in service to the Constitution and the people of Ghana,” he stated.
He stressed that the independence of the Auditor-General’s office must always be protected and exercised responsibly, professionally and fairly, adding that the office must be guided solely by facts, evidence and the law.

President Mahama also paid tribute to the outgoing Auditor-General for his dedicated service and contribution to strengthening public accountability in Ghana, wishing him good health and success in his future endeavours.

The President reiterated that his government’s economic recovery and national development agenda depended on strong institutions capable of ensuring prudent management of public resources.

He said initiatives aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability, improving domestic revenue mobilisation, implementing the 24-hour economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, expanding social investments and accelerating infrastructure development all required transparency and fiscal discipline.

“Every ministry, department, agency, metropolitan, municipal and district assembly, state-owned enterprise and public official must recognise that accountability is not optional. It is a constitutional obligation,” President Mahama said.

He pledged continued government support for the Ghana Audit Service through investments in modern audit technologies, digital systems, capacity building and institutional reforms to strengthen its effectiveness.

The President further urged all public institutions to cooperate fully with the Auditor-General and implement audit recommendations promptly, stressing that audit reports should serve as practical management tools to improve governance, strengthen internal controls, eliminate waste and enhance public sector efficiency.

Addressing Dr. Graham directly, President Mahama urged her to preserve, strengthen and modernise the legacy of the Audit Service while remaining faithful to the values of integrity, impartiality, professionalism and excellence.

“The strength of a democracy is measured not only by those who govern, but also by the institutions that hold government accountable,” he said, adding that Ghana’s responsibility was to leave behind institutions that were stronger, more transparent and more effective for future generations.