- Garswa Jackson has strongly defended the work of the General Auditing Commission (GAC), insisting that audits conducted across government institutions are not “intended to embarrass or politically target public officials.”
Jackson said, the exercises are to rather strengthen accountability and improve governance.
He made the statement during an interview on the state broadcaster ELBC.
Jackson rejected growing public perceptions that audits are often used as tools for political pressure or institutional humiliation.
“The core responsibility of the GAC is to ensure that public institutions properly manage taxpayers’ money and comply with established financial regulations. Audit is not a catch-and-tease exercise,” Jackson declared during the interview.
He highlighted that the purpose of audits is to identify “weaknesses within government agencies, and recommend reforms that can improve transparency and operational efficiency.”
His comments come at a time when public confidence in state institutions remains fragile amid repeated allegations of corruption, financial mismanagement, and abuse of public resources.
Critics have frequently accused some government agencies of treating audit reports as political attacks rather than opportunities for reform.
Jackson said, auditing remains one of the most important tools for promoting good governance and institutional discipline.
He argued that without effective oversight mechanisms, public institutions could continue operating with weak accountability systems that undermine national development efforts.
Jackson also said, the GAC recently completed “the first comprehensive audit of the Civil Service Agency (CSA.)”
He revealed how “serious irregularities and management deficiencies are within the CSA.”
Mr. Jackson: “The findings exposed weaknesses that required immediate corrective action.”
He said, the CSA audit resulted in significant financial savings for the government after authorities identified irregular payroll practices, and management issues affecting the institution.
He said, such interventions demonstrate the importance of independent audits in protecting public resources.
The revelations surrounding the CSA audit are expected to intensify debates over accountability as citizens continue demanding stronger action against corruption and wasteful government spending.
Many Liberians have repeatedly questioned whether state institutions are doing enough to safeguard national resources amid ongoing economic hardship.
Despite growing criticism from some public officials over audit findings, Jackson insisted that the GAC’s work should not be viewed as punitive.
Instead, he argued that audits are constructive mechanisms designed to help institutions improve their internal systems, strengthen financial management, and deliver better services to the people.
Jackson further said, accountability and transparency remain essential pillars for national development.
He warned that Liberia cannot achieve meaningful progress if public resources are continuously mismanaged.
According to Jackson, strengthening oversight institutions such as the GAC is critical to restore public trust and ensure that government funds are used to improve the lives of ordinary citizens rather than benefiting a privileged few.