Improving Accountability And Transparency Through Effective Internal Control System In The Public Sector (A Study Of Michael Okpara University Of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State)

ABSTRACT

This study examines financial aspect of transparency and accountability for the use of public funds, which is fiscal accountability. It explains the growing demand for fiscal accountability, answers to who, for what and how questions, describes the move towards performance accountability, details the benefit and cost, and concludes with general recommendations. Improved transparency and accountability in the public sectors does not imply only that annual accounts are rendered but also that records are open and accessible to citizens, since government activities are undertaken on their behalf. Currently, many countries classify records as top secret, confidential and restricted, and official secretes acts makes unauthorized disclosure a criminal offence. The whole culture of governments, both developed and developing, is one of secrecy. Freedom-of-information legislation is being progressively introduced, and is redefining the interface between government and civil society. Instead of defining what can be disclosed or authorizing release of information on a case-by-case basis, all information on demand, without question, except for carefully defined exception.