The Controller and Accountant-General says it finds it “rather strange and disturbing” that of all the productive discussions and far-reaching strategies it discussed at its annual conference, the media chose to focus on a submission by a participant” which “is not the general position of the Department.”

In a statement signed by Cephas N. Dosoo, Head of Public Relations, the CAGD said the conference which was held under the theme; “Building a sustainable economy: the role of the public sector accountant”, had discussed topics like:

1. Stakeholders’ role in enhancing value for money in public expenditure management.
2. Deepening the usage of GIFMIS for effective financial reporting and accountability.
3. Harmonisation of salary administration to ensure sustainable wage bill.
4. Maximising the utilization of government cash resources through efficient Treasury management.
5. Efficient and effective national revenue mobilization for development – the role of stakeholders.
6. Emotional and mental well-being.

“It is rather strange and disturbing that of all the productive discussions and far-reaching strategies drawn for the Department to positively contribute its quota towards creating a sustainable economy, the media could focus its attention on a submission made by a participant during an open forum session and was promptly addressed by the Controller and Accountant-General. The submission made by the participant is not the general position of the Department”, said the CAGD.

Myjoyonline on Tuesday published the concern of a staff who had questioned why Deputy Directors at the CAGD are ‘forced to use Camrys’ when their equals in other state departments are provided Landcruisers.

In his opinion, this was unfair and asked that his bosses also strive for equal treatment, a concern the Controller and Accountant General addressed, saying the Camrys are new cars and that staff should make do with what they have, drawing attention also to the President’s directives on the use of V-8s for work.

Read the CAGD’s statement in full.