AFROPAC, the organization of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) of African legislatures has called on African countries to fulfill their financial obligations to support parliamentary oversight and enhance financial accountability.
AFROPAC, which promotes professional and technical development for its members as well as the independence of Supreme Audit Institutions is holding its 16th executive meeting at the Parliament of Uganda between 03 and 06 April 2023.
Representatives from nine countries are attending the meeting, during which the organization highlighted the need for African countries to subscribe to support the group's operations.
The chairperson of AFROPAC, Hon. Medard Lubega Sseggona urged PAC member countries to pay the annual subscription fee of US$5,000 to help run the organization.
He emphasized the importance of the subscription fee to support the organization, particularly if donors withdraw their support.
“If one day, God forbid, we run without support from our development partners, we would literally be closing business. But I am sure that with our meager resources and small contributions from the member states we are able,” Sseggona said.
Currently, only nine African countries have paid their subscription fees including Niger, Uganda, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, Eswatini, and Ghana, despite all 54 African countries being members of AFROPAC.
At the meeting, AFROPAC also discussed eliminating the letter of commitment required for membership enabling membership to be gained through subscription which signifies commitment.
Hon. Mark Botomani (Malawi) , the Secretary General AFROPAC and Hon. Dr. James Klutse Avedzi (Ghana), Deputy Chairperson AFROPAC all agreed that pushing member states to write a letter of commitment or acceptance could take them steps backwards and yet whoever has paid subscription already has shown commitment.
The meeting highlighted the significant role AFROPAC plays in promoting transparency and accountability of public resources in Africa, and the need to ensure the welfare of the group to maintain operations for the benefit of African countries seeking to enhance financial accountability.
AFROPAC promotes cooperation between its members, sharing experiences, and strengthening relationships with national, regional, and international institutions.
The group's objectives also include the promotion of transparency, accountability and good governance of public resources.
By enhancing parliamentary oversight in Africa, AFROPAC aims to improve economic and financial stability on the continent.
