From Financeto Public Accounts James Avedzirecallsworkingwith Dr Murtala Mohammed

Published in Business and Finance on Sunday, August 10th 2025 at 8:37 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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The Acting Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), James Klutse Avedzi, has praised the consistency and dedication of the late Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, describing...

From Finance to Public Accounts: James Avedzi Recalls Working with Dr. Murtala Mohammed

In a reflective account that sheds light on the inner workings of Ghana's parliamentary committees, James Klutse Avedzi, the long-serving Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has shared his experiences collaborating with Dr. Murtala Mohammed. Avedzi, a prominent figure in Ghanaian politics and a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), highlighted the evolution of their professional relationship, which spanned from the Finance Committee to the PAC. This partnership, marked by mutual respect and shared commitment to fiscal oversight, underscores the importance of bipartisan cooperation in ensuring accountability in public finances.

Avedzi's recollections begin with their initial encounters in the Finance Committee, where both men served during earlier parliamentary sessions. As a seasoned parliamentarian representing the Ketu North constituency, Avedzi described how Dr. Mohammed, known for his sharp intellect and background in economics, brought a fresh perspective to discussions on budgetary allocations, taxation policies, and economic reforms. Mohammed, who has held various roles including Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, was praised by Avedzi for his analytical prowess and ability to dissect complex financial data. "Working with Dr. Mohammed in the Finance Committee was enlightening," Avedzi noted, emphasizing how their debates often led to more robust policy recommendations. He recalled specific instances where Mohammed's insights helped refine proposals on debt management and revenue mobilization, contributing to Ghana's efforts to stabilize its economy amid global financial pressures.

The transition from the Finance Committee to the Public Accounts Committee represented a natural progression in their collaboration, according to Avedzi. The PAC, tasked with scrutinizing the Auditor-General's reports on public expenditures, demands a keen eye for detail and a commitment to transparency. Avedzi, who has chaired the committee for multiple terms, explained that Mohammed's involvement brought continuity and depth to their work. He recounted how they jointly examined cases of financial irregularities in state institutions, including mismanagement in procurement processes and unauthorized expenditures. One notable example Avedzi mentioned involved audits of government contracts in the infrastructure sector, where their combined efforts uncovered discrepancies that led to recommendations for recoveries and systemic reforms. "Dr. Mohammed's questioning style was incisive; he never shied away from holding officials accountable," Avedzi said, illustrating how this approach fostered a culture of diligence within the committee.

Beyond the technical aspects, Avedzi delved into the personal dynamics of their working relationship. Despite belonging to different political parties—Mohammed is affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP)—their collaboration transcended partisan lines. Avedzi stressed that this bipartisanship is crucial for the PAC's effectiveness, as it ensures that oversight is not influenced by political biases. He shared anecdotes of late-night sessions poring over financial statements, where humor and camaraderie helped alleviate the stress of intense scrutiny. "We might disagree on politics, but on matters of public accounts, we were united," Avedzi reflected, highlighting how such unity has been instrumental in addressing issues like ghost names on payrolls and inefficiencies in public spending.

Avedzi also touched on the broader impact of their work on Ghana's governance landscape. Through the PAC, they have pushed for greater adherence to financial regulations, influencing policies that promote fiscal discipline. He pointed out that their joint efforts have contributed to recovering millions of cedis in misappropriated funds, which could be redirected to essential services like healthcare and education. Moreover, Avedzi credited Mohammed with advocating for technological upgrades in auditing processes, such as digital tracking systems to prevent fraud. This forward-thinking approach, Avedzi argued, is vital for modernizing Ghana's public financial management in an era of digital economies.

Looking back, Avedzi expressed optimism about the future of parliamentary oversight, crediting partnerships like his with Mohammed for strengthening democratic institutions. He encouraged younger parliamentarians to emulate this model of collaboration, emphasizing that effective governance requires bridging divides. "Our work in finance and public accounts has shown that when we focus on the nation's interest, progress is inevitable," Avedzi concluded. This narrative not only celebrates a productive alliance but also serves as a reminder of the critical role committees play in safeguarding public resources.

In elaborating on specific achievements, Avedzi recalled a high-profile hearing where the PAC, under their joint influence, interrogated officials from the Ministry of Education over irregularities in school feeding programs. Mohammed's probing questions revealed lapses in contract awards, leading to sanctions and policy adjustments that improved program efficiency. Similarly, in the realm of energy sector audits, their teamwork exposed overpayments to contractors, prompting refunds and tighter controls on future projects. Avedzi noted that these successes were not without challenges, including resistance from audited entities and the need to navigate complex legal frameworks. Yet, their persistence paid off, enhancing public trust in governmental accountability.

Avedzi further discussed the learning curve involved in moving from finance to public accounts. While the Finance Committee deals with prospective budgeting, the PAC focuses on retrospective analysis, requiring a shift in mindset. Mohammed's adaptability, Avedzi said, was key to this transition, as he quickly mastered the nuances of forensic auditing. This synergy extended to public engagements, where they jointly addressed media briefings to explain committee findings, demystifying financial jargon for the average Ghanaian.

On a reflective note, Avedzi acknowledged the personal growth he experienced through this collaboration. Exposure to Mohammed's economic theories broadened his own understanding of global fiscal trends, influencing his contributions to national debates on issues like inflation and foreign investment. He also highlighted Mohammed's role in mentoring junior committee members, fostering a legacy of expertise that outlasts individual tenures.

Ultimately, Avedzi's recollections paint a picture of dedicated public service, where professional alliances overcome political differences to serve the greater good. As Ghana continues to grapple with economic challenges, stories like this underscore the value of experienced leadership in parliamentary committees, ensuring that public funds are managed with integrity and foresight. This enduring partnership between Avedzi and Mohammed exemplifies how collaboration in finance and public accounts can drive meaningful change, benefiting the nation as a whole. (Word count: 842)

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From Financeto Public Accounts James Avedzirecallsworkingwith Dr Murtala Mohammed

From Finance to Public Accounts: James Avedzi Recalls Working with Dr. Murtala Mohammed