At capacity workshop in Bamenda: Minister Mbah Acha urges public officials to uphold accountability, good governance.

This was during a three-day training workshop on “The Concepts of Irregularity, Mismanagement, Damage and Liability for Mismanagement”.

It was organised by the Supreme State Audit Office, CONSUPE, in Bamenda from June 10 to 12, 2026.The brought together public authorising officers, vote holders and other State officials from the North West and South West Regions. Also present was the Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, and senior officials of the institution. 

Participants were trained on the legal and administrative implications of irregularities in public financial management, as well as the responsibilities attached to the handling of public funds.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mbah Acha Rose emphasised the need for public managers to respect financial regulations and ensure that state resources are used solely for their intended purposes. She noted that preventing mismanagement is more effective than sanctioning it after the damage has been done.

“While on the field, we identified that many vote holders and managers were not even aware of laws and basic texts governing them. Some of them do that out of ignorance, some do it out of negligence and some are just disobedient. So we have come to correct all, because we know that prevention is better than cure,” she said.

Experts at the workshop highlighted that financial irregularities often result in losses for the state, delayed development projects and reduced public confidence in government institutions.

Participants were encouraged to strengthen internal controls, comply with existing regulations and promote ethical conduct in the management of public funds.

The training is part of ongoing efforts by CONSUPE to build the capacity of public officials and reduce cases of financial misconduct. 

By equipping managers with a better understanding of their legal obligations, the institution hopes to improve accountability and ensure that public resources contribute effectively to national development. 

Several delegates and mayors who attended the workshop described the training as timely and relevant, especially at a period when local councils are expected to manage increasing financial responsibilities while ensuring accountability to citizens. 

Some noted that the sessions provided practical guidance on avoiding administrative and financial errors that could expose public officials to sanctions. 

The municipal executives also expressed their commitment to strengthening financial management systems within their councils and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently for community development projects.

Other participants equally welcomed the initiative, saying it helped clarify the distinctions between financial irregularities, mismanagement, damage to state resources and personal liability. 

They praised the Supreme State Audit Office for bringing the training closer to local administrators in the regions. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3818 of Monday June 15, 2026