They face cameras, but evade justice – Former PAC Chairman on lack PAC of prosecutions
The former Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), James Klutse Avedzi has shed light on a ‘troubling reality’: many individuals who appear before the Committee are more afraid of the live television scrutiny than the consequences of their actions.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition last Thursday, Avedzi highlighted a disconnect between public accountability and actual justice, noting that despite the committee’s efforts to hold public officials accountable for financial mismanagement, these efforts rarely result in prosecution or punishment.
“People know that the only difficulty is appearing before the PAC. You come on television, your family and friends will see you when you are interrogated, and whether you provide good answers or not, that is what they feared. But they also know that after that, nothing happens,” he lamented.
Avedzi emphasized that there is often a misunderstanding among the public regarding the role of PAC. Many believe that the committee has the authority to impose immediate penalties, but he clarified that its function is limited to reviewing financial reports from the Auditor-General and making recommendations for prosecution to the Attorney General.
“Ghanaians think that the committee has the power to punish people on the spot, but we do not. The committee doesn’t have that power. You can only recommend,” he stated.
Reflecting on his time as PAC chairman, Avedzi recalled his attempts to push for accountability. He noted that despite submitting numerous names for prosecution, little action was taken.
“We recommended a number of people, I cannot even count them, to the Attorney General for prosecution. But at one point, the Attorney General told the committee there was no communication from Parliament to him. So I had to ensure that the clerk of Parliament officially communicated our decisions. Even then, it took almost two years before that happened. And yet, still, nothing has been done about it”.
Despite these challenges, Avedzi expressed optimism that under the new Attorney General, there might be a shift towards more effective enforcement, pointing to ongoing investigations into the Sky Train project as a sign that some recommendations for prosecution are beginning to be acted upon.
However, he firmly believes that true change will only occur when those found guilty are held accountable.
“Let’s punish the people. When people who need to be prosecuted are prosecuted, and when they are found guilty, they are punished, then it will serve as a deterrent,” he argued, and warned that the lack of enforcement only encourages individuals to continue engaging in financial misconduct.
“People know that after facing the Public Accounts Committee, the report goes back to the executive for implementation, but they don’t implement it. That is what we are lacking,” he concluded.
By: Novire Kuuyizie Francis
About The Author
