Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Edgar Lungu (Pic by Albert Mpezeni)
President Edgar Lungu says the role of accountants is cardinal in transforming africa into a prosperous and peaceful continent.
Speaking when he officially opened the 26th east and southern africa association of accountants general’s (ESAAG) 2019 annual conference held at Avani Hotel in Livingstone, President Lungu says to achieve this vision, there is need to build and put in place the right systems, develop the right mindset and perform accounting functions with Integrity, Professionalism and hard work.
President Lungu notes that failure for most accountants to diligently serve the people is not due to lack of knowledge, skill or competence, but it is because of tilted focus on personal interest at the expense of public interest.
He says it is disheartening that some accountants have become enemies of the people by being involved in financial transgressions in order to quickly amass wealth at the expense of the citizens.
President Lungu says there is now greater demand than ever before, by citizens, in respective African countries for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
He states that citizens want to see value for the taxes they remit to government being used for national development which positively impact on their quality of life.
He says citizens demand good school; good health facilities, good roads; safe water and sanitation; and access to electricity among other basic human needs.
President Lungu has implored the accountants general as people responsible for public finances to be become more accountable and transparent.
He says there is need for accountants general to stop misuse of public resources, and ensure that public resources are targeted towards delivery of public goods and services to benefit the people in their respective countries.
The head of state says it is not enough for accountants to produce financial reports which citizens cannot read or understand.