About 50 pastors in Ndola have appealed to the plenary of the NCC to consider elevating the position of Accountant General from the current status of that of Director to that of permanent secretary so that he could have sufficient authority to question the financial behaviour of controlling officers in ministries and provinces.
The Pastors felt since the current status was that of a director, it was difficult for the accountant general to take permanent secretaries to task over certain expenditures that were not clear.
The Pastors said it was difficult for the Accountant General to make inquiries and force permanent secretaries to be accountable to him over the expenditures because he was a junior officer.
The Pastors wondered how the qualifications and training for both the Auditor General and the Accountant General are the same but one became of an elevated status when they jointed the Audit Office and the other remained at Director level when they join the Accountant General’s office.
The Pastors felt that the NCC should make it clear that the office of the Accountant General should be one which should keep control of officers in ministries and provinces. This will avoid misapplication and diversion of public funds.
The meeting also noted that it was important for Zambians to be knowledgeable in the budget making processes so that they could effectively participate and help in monitoring public resources.
The Pastors also supported the clause that made the minister responsible for public finance.In order to take stock and account for any donation given to government ministries organs and departments including those that were operating as shadow NGOs in order to avoid mortgaging a country to foreigners.
ENDS/CN/CMM/PK/ZANIS.
They do have a point, i guess. These PS’s ba fitala sana.
Glad Zambians are starting to use their brains.Bravo!!!!
Thats what pastors should be doing: contributing positively to developing our country. Not planning prayers for the acquittal of certain theives!
Sure
relevant suggestion. everybody in public office must be answerable and accountable
I am surprised the govt allowed that to happen & it took pastors to note the unusual mistake.In the corporate world,The Chief Internal Auditor is on the same level as The Chief Accountant so it would make sense that The Accountant General & Auditor General be on the same level because they have almost the same scope in work terms as they work side by side & are the superiors in the Accounts & Audit Depts which are equal in powers.
The Auditor General or Accountant General do not take anyone to task,they simply do their work & submit reports,it’s up to relevant govt authorities to take appropriate action against erring officers.
Excellent suggestion.