The Auditor General nominated at the General Auditing Commission (GAC) of Liberia, Garswa Jackson has assured a proactive approach at the GAC if confirmed.
Speaking Monday, July 5, 2021 when he appeared at the Liberian senate for his confirmation hearing, Garswa Jackson said the GAC has, for too long, sat in the back and waited to perform post audit, bragging his presence will be one of the best the GAC will experience.
According to Jackson, his proactive approach is intended to collaborate with anti-graft institutions in the country including the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), through the office of the Controller General to ensure how controls and system management are put in place and all preparation of financial statements are done on a regular basis.
He is quoted as saying “We also want to ensure that the consolidated financial statement audit moves from a disclaimer opinion to a qualified and a subsequent or modified clean audit opinion; that is what we are going to be looking at; it is not going to be business as usual; we’re going to make sure we integrate reform aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the interest of the people.
The anti-graft nominee explained that the GAC will recommend and aid in facilitating the formation of an anti-graft Institution standing committee to craft a Comprehensive Fraud Prevention Document (CFPD).
In addition, Mr. Jackson told members of the Senate Committee on Autonomous Agency that he brings a proactive approach to the transparency index of the country.
Mr. Jackson is the current Vice President for Finance and Fiscal Affairs at the University of Liberia.
If confirmed, he will replace the late outgoing AG, Madam Yusador Saadatu Gaye, whose tenure has elapsed.
Mr. Jackson is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) of the United Kingdom and the Liberian Institute of Certified Public Accountant (LICPA).
He also holds professional certificates and is a member of the International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professional, USA (IICFIP) and the Institute of Financial Consultant, Canada (IFC).
The GAC is the independent external auditor of the government that supports the legislature in its oversight responsibilities to hold the government accountable for its use of public resources.
In executing this mandate, the GAC performs post audits and specialized reviews and investigations to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence and issue an opinion on the tasks performed.
