Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa has encouraged Government ministries and provincial administrations to strive for zero audit queries, as demonstrated by some in the Auditor General’s report for the financial year ended 31 December 2022.
During a meeting for permanent secretaries and other controlling officers, Mr. Kangwa emphasized the importance of aiming for zero audits in government ministries and provincial administrations. He stated that by achieving this goal, the Public Accounts Committee would become irrelevant, highlighting the need for improved financial management and accountability within the government.
Mr. Kangwa has advised government controlling officers who have received zero audit queries to continue striving for excellence and not become complacent. On the other hand, those who have received queries should take the opportunity to learn from their colleagues who have achieved zero queries and work towards improving their performance.
The 2022 auditor general’s report revealed that the number of government ministries and provincial administrations with zero audit queries has doubled compared to the previous year. In 2021, only 7 entities achieved this feat, but in 2022, that number increased to 14.
Acting Secretary to the Treasury, Danies Chisenda, has emphasized the importance for government controlling officers to address the recommendations outlined in the 2022 auditor general’s report. By implementing these recommendations, they can strive to achieve zero audit queries and maintain a strong record of financial accountability.
