Recent audit reports have revealed significant weaknesses in Ghana’s public financial management systems.

A government audit uncovered more than GH¢21 billion in suspicious, duplicated, or fictitious claims submitted to the state, exposing systemic gaps in procurement verification, documentation controls, and financial oversight.

These findings have reignited national conversations around accountability, transparency, and the urgent need to modernise financial control systems across ministries and public agencies.

According to Mr Edward Wortor, a finance and risk management professional with experience in auditing, regulatory compliance, and financial controls across both public and private institutions, the issue is not simply about isolated misconduct but deeper structural weaknesses within the system.

“When you see duplicated invoices, unsupported claims, or payments for work that was never done, it points to gaps in the control environment,” he explains. “Financial systems depend on verification, documentation, and independent oversight. When those break down, irregular transactions can pass through unchecked.”

Mr Wortor, whose experience spans banking, consulting, and large-scale digital platforms, notes that fraud within public institutions often follows identifiable patterns.

Procurement-related irregularities remain one of the most common risks, particularly where payments are processed without proper validation of deliverables. In other cases, documentation may be altered or duplicated to justify claims.

He also points to weak reconciliation processes as a major contributor. Without consistent cross-checking of financial records across departments, irregular transactions can remain undetected for extended periods.

“Public institutions handle large volumes of financial transactions,” he says. “Without strong, structured controls, it becomes extremely difficult to monitor every transaction effectively.”

For Mr Wortor, addressing these challenges requires both structural reforms and the adoption of modern technology.

He emphasises the need for stronger internal controls, where payment processes are supported by multiple layers of verification, including supplier authentication, contract validation, and digital confirmation of transactions. Increased transparency in financial reporting, he adds, would further strengthen oversight by making procurement records easier to track and audit.

However, he believes the most transformative opportunity lies in the use of technology-driven monitoring systems.

“Artificial intelligence and data analytics can fundamentally change how governments monitor financial activity,” Mr Wortor explains.

“These systems can analyse transactions in real time and flag unusual patterns that may indicate fraud.”

For example, automated systems can detect duplicated payments, identify abnormal spending behaviour, and flag inconsistencies across departments. By analysing historical data, these tools can also uncover patterns commonly associated with fraudulent activity.

This represents a significant shift from traditional audit approaches, where irregularities are often identified long after they occur.

“Instead of discovering issues years later, institutions can detect and respond to risks almost immediately,” he notes.

While some observers argue that fraud is primarily a governance issue, Mr. Wortor sees technology as a critical complement to strong leadership and ethical standards.

“Governance sets the foundation, but technology strengthens enforcement,” he says. “When systems automatically verify transactions and cross-check data, it becomes much harder for bad actors to exploit gaps.”

He adds that automation reduces opportunities for manipulation while improving consistency and accountability across financial processes.

The evolving landscape also places new demands on accounting and auditing professionals. As financial systems become more digitised, Mr Wortor believes that accountants and auditors must expand their capabilities beyond traditional practices.

“The role of the profession is changing,” he explains. “It is no longer just about reviewing financial statements. It is about designing systems that detect risks earlier and prevent fraud before it happens.”

Looking ahead, he remains optimistic about Ghana’s ability to significantly reduce fraud in public institutions, provided the right investments are made.

“The tools already exist,” Mr Wortor says. “If Ghana strengthens its financial control systems, improves transparency, and adopts modern monitoring technologies, it can make substantial progress.”

Ultimately, he believes that stronger financial systems will have a broader national impact.

“When financial systems are transparent and well monitored,” he notes, “institutions become stronger and public trust grows.”