As we usher in a new year, I extend warm season greetings to all Ghanaians, especially our valued stakeholders and partners. This is a season that offers renewed hope, purpose, and responsibility.

The New Year season reminds us of the values of selflessness, integrity, and service to humanity – values that resonate deeply with the mandate of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) as established under the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815), as amended. Our work, rooted in the principles of transparency and accountability, is ultimately about ensuring that Ghana’s petroleum resource wealth benefits both present and future generations. In this spirit, we are reminded that public resources are sacred trusts, and their management must be guided by honesty, fairness, and the collective good.

2025 has been both a challenge and an opportunity for Ghana and for PIAC. In the midst of global economic uncertainties, domestic fiscal pressures, and evolving governance demands, PIAC has remained steadfast in its constitutional mandate to monitor and evaluate the management and use of petroleum revenues. Through our reports, public engagements, and advocacy, we have continued to amplify the voice of citizens and promote prudent management of petroleum resources.

I am particularly encouraged by the growing public interest in resource governance and accountability. This increased awareness reflects a maturing democratic culture where citizens demand value for money, transparency in decision-making, and accountability from duty bearers. PIAC remains committed to deepening this engagement by strengthening collaboration with civil society, traditional authorities, the media, state institutions, and local communities.

As we reflect on the year, we also acknowledge that much work remains to be done. Persistent challenges such as inefficient allocation of petroleum revenues, weak linkages between resource wealth and local development, and the need for stronger compliance with statutory requirements require collective effort. Changes to our funding status impaired our ability to deliver on our mandate to a greater extent. However, these challenges should not discourage us; rather, they should galvanize us to do better in the coming year and prove the relevance of PIAC’s existence.

The New Year presents an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to good governance, fiscal discipline, and sustainable development. At PIAC, we will continue to advocate for reforms that enhance transparency, improve revenue utilization, and ensure that petroleum resources contribute meaningfully to national development priorities, including education, health, infrastructure, and job creation. We will also intensify our public engagements through our regional and district engagements to ensure we keep our tradition of interacting with ordinary Ghanaians to explain to them how our petroleum resources have been utilised by the government.

As Ghana navigates its development path, the principles of accountability and public interest must remain central. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without responsible stewardship of natural resources. PIAC will therefore continue to play its watchdog role with independence, professionalism, and courage, guided always by the national interest.

On behalf of the Members and Secretariat of PIAC, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for your support, constructive engagement, and commitment to accountability throughout the year. Your continued collaboration strengthens our work and reinforces the democratic values we cherish.

As we step into the New Year, may it bring renewed hope, resilience, and shared determination to build a more transparent, accountable, and prosperous Ghana.

I wish you a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year.

Thank you, and God bless our dear nation, Ghana.