HRH Crown Prince stresses importance of managing public funds

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Strengthening the principles of accountability, integrity, and professionalism across government work streams is vital in achieving Bahrain’s goal of comprehensive development.

In particular, HRH the Crown Prince underlined the importance of “self-accountability” as a national responsibility within the public workforce, adding that effective compliance mechanisms are pivotal to achieving the kingdom’s desired development strategies and plans.

This was emphasized by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, as he met remotely yesterday with National Audit Office (NAO) president Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.

During the meeting, Shaikh Ahmed presented to HRH the Crown Prince the 17th annual National Audit Office Report for the year 2019-2020.

HRH the Crown Prince noted that the findings and recommendations from the NAO’s reports has had a profound impact on service excellence and the appropriate management of public funds across government agencies.

He highlighted the NAO’s role in further strengthening the appropriate management of public funds transparently and lauded its workforce for their professional contributions to the annual reports’ financial and administrative findings and recommendations, as well as its implementation across government agencies.

In this regard, HRH the Crown Prince noted that active co-operation between government agencies and NAO has promoted best practice within government, benefiting the Kingdom and its citizens.

He praised the government agencies that have committed to implementing the NAO report’s recommendations, noting the importance of further enhancing their performance in providing quality services to all.

HRH the Crown Prince stressed that the government agencies mentioned in this year’s report should immediately introduce measures and implement the report’s recommendations to ensure cases do not recur.

For his part, Shaikh Ahmed reiterated NAO’s commitment to perform its entrusted duties in line with HM the King’s directives and in accordance with the law.

He further expressed his gratitude for HRH the Prime Minister and HRH the Crown Prince’s continued support and commitment to overseeing the implementation of recommendations provided by NAO across government agencies.

Shaikh Ahmed highlighted NAO’s success in accomplishing its role, as witnessed by the operational best practices performed by various government agencies.