ICAG CEO Raises Concern Over Low MMDA Budget Implementation

Speaking during an orientation programme for ICAG nominees to MMDA Audit Committees, the CEO noted that the overall national cumulative average of MMDA Composite Budget implementation was not encouraging.
He noted that the low level of budget implementation among MMDAs , point to a gap between budgeting and actual delivery, with significant portions of approved budgets remaining unimplemented.
The presentation highlighted the need for MMDAs to ensure that:

1. Composite budgets are properly aligned with their development plans.
2. ⁠Budget priorities reflect the specific needs of local communities.
3. ⁠Available resources are effectively linked to assigned functions.
4. ⁠Financial planning and implementation are strengthened to improve development outcomes.
For ICAG, improving budget implementation is essential to ensuring that approved public resources translate into tangible development and services for citizens.
He advised MMDAs to work with the Audit committees for improved resource mobilization and effective budget implementation.

ICAG Orients Nominees for MMDA Audit Committees ahead of thier Inauguration .

Chartered Accountants charged to strengthen accountability and enforce audit recommendations at local level.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) has organised a nationwide orientation programme for its members nominated to serve on the Audit Committees of all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies ahead of their inauguration today, Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The orientation was facilitated by the Chief Executive Officer( CEO) of ICAG, E.O. Osae FCA, and was designed to equip nominees with the requisite legal, technical and ethical foundation to function as independent members of the Committees.

What the Orientation Covered
The programme provided a comprehensive overview of five key areas:

1. Structure and Functions of MMDAs: Understanding how Assemblies operate and deliver services.
2. Fiscal Decentralisation and PFM: The flow of public funds and the principles of sound Public Financial Management( PFM)
3. Revenue Mobilisation: The critical role of Audit Committees in helping Assemblies improve Internally Generated Funds (IGF)and block leakages.
4. Legal and Regulatory Framework: The mandatory requirement under Section 86 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) for every Assembly to establish an Audit Committee, and its linkage to the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
5. Mandate and Powers: Oversight responsibilities over financial reporting, internal audit, risk management, internal controls and compliance with laws and regulations, including ensuring implementation of recommendations of the Auditor-General and Internal Auditors.
The CEO underscored the strategic importance of Audit Committees as governance pillars, not ceremonial bodies.

“The Audit Committee is the conscience of the Assembly on financial matters. Your independence, integrity and professional scepticism are non-negotiable if we are to strengthen public financial management at the local level,” he told the nominees.

Ensuring Readiness for National Duty.
The orientation forms part of ICAG’s commitment to ensuring that its members deployed to public-sector governance structures are adequately prepared to uphold financial discipline, improve accountability and support effective resource management.
The nominees are expected to formally assume their roles following their simultaneous inauguration across all 16 regions of Ghana today.

Note to Editors: Photos from the orientation are available on request.

About ICAG
The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana is the statutory body established to regulate the accountancy profession in Ghana and promote public financial accountability.