Design of a secure public accounts system for enhanced war against corruption using intelligent software agent

Abstract

Transparency of methods is a measure of accountability in governance. Availability of public data is a measure of transparency. However, confidentiality and integrity are mandatory requirements for the security of public data, which consequently enhances accountability. Maintaining public data availability, while optimal degree of their integrity and confidentiality are ensured, is a paramount preoccupation of any good government. Among such data are the public bank accounts. Treasury Single Account (TSA) is a measure towards the security of public funds; but it constitutes liquidity challenge to the banking sector of the economy. This paper presents a leakage-blocking public finance management (PFM) mechanism; a secured multiplatform for receipts and payments system, which is liquidity-friendly to the commercial banking industry. A web (Internet) platform is required for all transactions. Software intelligent agents are employed in monitoring receipt and payment processes made by the clients of the revenue-generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government. The mechanism ensures that the centralized bank account’s transactions are logged; and appropriate heads and subheads are updated accordingly after every successful transaction. Thus the inflow of revenue would be tracked, and illegal bank accounts reported promptly. Therefore, public accounts would be under intensive surveillances, guaranteeing the accountability of every kobo generated.