Members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the ECOWAS Parliament have completed a three-day capacity-building workshop in Accra aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight and enhancing accountability in the management of Community resources.
The training programme focused on improving lawmakers’ ability to scrutinize public expenditure and effectively monitor the financial activities of key ECOWAS institutions, including the ECOWAS Commission, the ECOWAS Parliament, and the Community Court of Justice.
Speaking at the end of the workshop, the First Rapporteur of the Committee, Senator Osita Izunaso, described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it had equipped members with practical skills required to carry out their oversight responsibilities more effectively.
According to the Nigerian lawmaker representing Imo West Senatorial District, inadequate understanding of the committee’s mandate had previously limited its effectiveness.
“This capacity-building programme has enhanced our knowledge and strengthened our ability to perform our legislative oversight duties. In the past, many members did not fully understand the scope of their responsibilities or how best to discharge them,” Izunaso said.
He explained that the workshop provided participants with a clearer understanding of audit tracking mechanisms and accountability frameworks within ECOWAS institutions.
The committee also reviewed strategies for monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations and explored ways to improve collaboration with the Administration, Finance, and Budget Committee to avoid duplication of functions and institutional conflicts.
“One of the key areas we examined was the audit tracking system and how to effectively monitor compliance with audit recommendations. We also reviewed our mandate alongside that of the Administration, Finance, and Budget Committee to ensure synergy and eliminate areas of friction,” he stated.
Izunaso further disclosed that discussions during the training highlighted some institutional limitations affecting the committee’s operations, particularly regarding the extent of its oversight powers within the ECOWAS Parliament.
The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by the regional legislature to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance across ECOWAS institutions through improved parliamentary scrutiny and oversight.
Observers say the training marks a significant step toward enhancing the effectiveness of the Public Accounts Committee and reinforcing public confidence in the management of Community resources across the West African sub-region.
