Omanghana
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and economic reform as he continues his high-level working visit to the United Kingdom.
Speaking during engagements connected to his London visit, President Mahama emphasized the need for stronger governance within Ghana’s public institutions and renewed his warning to Chief Executive Officers of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) who fail to comply with statutory reporting obligations.
The President’s visit to London is focused on strengthening economic relations between Ghana and the United Kingdom, attracting investment, and engaging members of the Ghanaian diaspora. The visit also includes meetings with key British officials and stakeholders aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation.
Addressing concerns about governance and public sector accountability, President Mahama stressed that state institutions must operate with greater transparency and responsibility. He noted that for several years, some state-owned enterprises had failed to submit annual reports and audited accounts despite legal requirements to do so.
According to the President, such practices undermine public confidence and weaken accountability mechanisms within government institutions. He warned that his administration would no longer tolerate persistent non-compliance by public sector managers.
President Mahama had earlier directed all SOE Chief Executive Officers to submit their audited accounts and annual reports by the end of April 2026, cautioning that failure to do so would attract sanctions. He expressed concern that several state entities had gone years without producing annual reports, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“This year, I said, woe betide any chief executive of a state-owned enterprise who, by the end of April, has not done your audits and presented your annual reports,” the President stated while outlining his administration’s expectations for public sector accountability.
Recent figures from the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) indicate that only 61 out of 185 state-owned enterprises and related entities met the April 30 deadline, leaving more than two-thirds in default. The development has sparked calls from organized labour and governance advocates for stricter enforcement measures against defaulting institutions.
President Mahama’s stance forms part of a broader effort by his administration to improve fiscal discipline, strengthen corporate governance within state institutions, and enhance investor confidence in Ghana’s economy.
As discussions continue with Ghanaian professionals and investors in London, the President is expected to use the platform to promote Ghana as a preferred destination for investment while assuring the diaspora of his government’s commitment to economic recovery and institutional reform.
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Source: Omanghana.com/SP
