President John Dramani Mahama has issued a stark warning regarding persistent compliance failures among public entities across Ghana, sparking significant concern amongst policymakers and stakeholders. The President, during a recent address to the SIGA Governing Boards and CEOs Conference on Thursday, September 10, 2026, underscored that while improvements have been observed in governance and management, a significant number of institutions continue to fall short of crucial statutory and administrative requirements. This concern stems from a concerning statistic: only 72 of the 148 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) expected to sign performance contracts since his administration took office had completed their obligations as of September 10th, 2026. The President repeatedly emphasized that improvements should not be interpreted as a complete success, framing them as a necessary but not sufficient measure of progress.
His remarks came amidst a troubling trend of declining compliance metrics. According to the latest data, only 61 entities submitted their audited financial statements by the April 30th statutory deadline, a figure that represents a substantial drop from the 142 entities recorded in 2024. Furthermore, a worrying number of entities – 61 – submitted their statements after the deadline or continued relying on management and draft accounts, highlighting a systemic issue with data integrity and timely reporting. The President detailed that only 71 entities had submitted quarterly reports, while a mere 37 of the 177 entities anticipating annual general meetings or stakeholder meetings had fulfilled their obligations. This decline in reporting, particularly in the context of crucial stakeholder engagement, is deeply troubling.
The President further highlighted a concerning drop in employment data submissions, with figures declining from 142 entities in 2024 to 137 in 2025. This represents a significant loss of economic activity and a potential drag on Ghana’s development trajectory.
Adding to this alarming picture, the President cautioned against complacency amongst public entity leaders, stressing that improvements should not be interpreted as complete success. He stated that the current compliance gaps are unacceptable and demand immediate and decisive action. He asserted that strengthening compliance is paramount to promoting transparency, accountability, and effective management of public entities, particularly given the projected budget of 10 new multi-sport stadiums.
President Mahama underscored the need for a fundamental shift in priorities, urging governing boards and CEOs to take their statutory and administrative responsibilities more seriously. He stressed that the current situation represents a serious threat to Ghana’s economic stability and development. The President’s remarks come at a critical juncture, reinforcing the urgency with which the government must address these compliance challenges to safeguard Ghana’s financial stability and maintain public trust.
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Source: Adom Online
