MINISTER of Public Works, Juan Edghill has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, while emphasising the importance of timely scrutiny of public expenditure as Guyana continues its development programme.
Edghill, in brief remarks during the presentation of the Auditor General’s Report, said the independent audit function remains an important mechanism through which Government ministries and agencies are examined, and public spending brought under scrutiny.
He said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government takes the issues of transparency and accountability seriously, noting that the Auditor-General’s Office provides an important avenue for examining whether public funds are spent as intended, and whether proper accountability is provided.
“When we have mechanisms like an independent Auditor-General’s Office that is adequately financed and staffed to interrogate all Government ministries and agencies and bring to public notice by way of its audit findings for public understanding and debate in the Public Accounts Committee, it is only healthy,” Edghill said.
He explained that while appropriations are approved by the National Assembly through the budgetary process, the subsequent audit process allows for examination of how those funds were actually used.
According to the minister, under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, accounting officers are appointed across ministries, agencies and regions, with responsibility for ensuring that public resources are properly managed.
He also highlighted the role of the Treasury Memorandum, which follows the presentation of the Auditor-General’s Report to the National Assembly, and outlines the Government’s intended response to issues identified through the audit process.
Against this backdrop, Edghill addressed concerns surrounding the backlog of reports awaiting examination by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), saying steps are being considered to bring the process up to date.
He said a proposal will be brought at the next sitting of the PAC aimed at addressing the backlog, with the objective of ensuring that when the 2026 Auditor General’s Report is received in 2027, the committee would be in a position to examine the 2026 accounts.
“We would like to make sure that the current accounting officers are sitting in the seat, answering the questions,” Edghill said.
As such, he highlighted the importance of having those responsible for financial management available to respond to issues raised by the audit process.
The Minister said timely examination of the reports would also help Guyana maintain the standards of transparency, accountability and good governance promised to citizens.
