Refund Misappropriated Funds or Head to Nsawam Prison — Mahama Warns Audit Offenders

 June 1,2026

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting financial misconduct in the public sector, warning that individuals implicated in audit infractions will be compelled to repay misappropriated state funds or face imprisonment at Nsawam Prison.

Addressing members of the Ghanaian diaspora during a town hall meeting in the United Kingdom on May 31, 2026, the President expressed concern over the recurring financial irregularities highlighted in the Auditor-General’s reports, which continue to cost the nation billions of cedis each year.

He described the situation as unacceptable and stressed the need for stronger accountability measures to safeguard public resources and restore confidence in public financial management.

President Mahama revealed that special audit courts have been established to deal specifically with cases arising from findings in the Auditor-General’s reports. According to him, the move is intended to ensure that individuals responsible for financial impropriety face meaningful consequences beyond parliamentary investigations.

He explained that persons cited for misappropriation, unauthorised expenditures, and other financial breaches will not only be required to answer before the Public Accounts Committee but will also face legal action aimed at recovering lost funds and enforcing accountability.

The President noted that the Attorney-General and the Auditor-General will collaborate closely to identify offenders, prosecute cases, and ensure that public monies are recovered for the benefit of the state.

In a strong warning to public officials, President Mahama stated that those found guilty of misappropriating state resources would be made to refund the funds or face imprisonment at Nsawam Prison.

He maintained that public officials entrusted with managing state resources must be held accountable for their actions and should not be allowed to misuse public funds without consequences.

The President’s remarks come at a time of heightened public interest in issues of financial accountability following recent Public Accounts Committee hearings that uncovered several cases of financial mismanagement across public institutions.

President Mahama reiterated that his government remains determined to strengthen transparency, enforce fiscal discipline, and protect the public purse as part of broader efforts to promote good governance and national development.