a)
i) Difference between Principal Account Holder and Principal Spending Officer
The Principal Account Holder (PAH) is the political head of the covered entity, who represents the political interest of the government. For instance, in a Ministry, the PAH is the Minister appointed by the President to head the Ministry and report to the President.

On the other hand, the Principal Spending Officer (PSO) is the administrative or bureaucratic head of the covered entity, appointed by the Civil Service Commission. The PSO is responsible for implementing the programmes and projects approved in the budget. For example, in a Ministry, the Chief Director is regarded as the PSO, whereas the Coordinating Directors are the PSOs of the Assemblies.

ii) Responsibilities of Principal Spending Officers

1. Regularity and Propriety of Use: The PSO must ensure that monies allocated to the entity are used in line with the budget ambit, achieving value for money, and in strict compliance with the approved budget.
2. Authorization of Commitment: The PSO ensures that commitments authorized for the covered entity are within a ceiling set by the Minister of Finance.
3. Management of Resources: The PSO is responsible for managing resources made available to the covered entity.
4. Effective System of Risk Management, Internal Controls, and Internal Audit: The PSO must establish and support an effective system of risk management, internal controls, and internal audit within the entity.
5. Preparation and Submission of Financial Reports: The PSO ensures that financial statements of the entity are prepared and submitted in line with the Public Financial Management Act 2016 and the Regulations.
6. Budgetary Control: The PSO is responsible for monitoring and controlling the budget and submitting a budget performance report to the Minister of Finance through the respective sector Ministries.
7. Remittance: Where the entity collects money on behalf of other covered entities, the PSO must ensure that remittance is made within the cash flow plans.
8. Compliance with Public Financial Management Laws: The PSO has the overall responsibility to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, Public Financial Management Regulation, 2019, and Public Procurement Act 2003 (as amended), among other financial laws.