ED Corporate Services

Mr. John Ame

Role and Responsibilities

As the Executive Director of Governance & Compliance at the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH), John Ame leads a critical division dedicated to strengthening institutional integrity, transparency, and accountability.

His responsibilities encompass

• Governance Oversight: Establishing and managing robust governance frameworks to ensure financial accountability, risk management, and adherence to national policies.
• Policy Enforcement and Risk Mitigation: Enforcing compliance with key national regulations, including the Public Finances (Management) Act and the National Procurement Act, while proactively addressing vulnerabilities through targeted risk management strategies.
• Operational Audits and Stakeholder Collaboration: Conducting internal audits, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and engaging stakeholders—including donors, government agencies, and communities—to align infrastructure projects with national priorities.
• Capacity Building: Mentoring DoWH staff and implementing training programs to build a culture of accountability and excellence within the department.

Mr. Ame’s strategic leadership ensures that DoWH operates with the highest levels of integrity and efficiency, ultimately delivering infrastructure projects that contribute to Papua New Guinea’s socio-economic development.

Key Contributions

• Transforming Financial Systems: Spearheaded the implementation of the Oracle Financial Management System (FMS), modernizing DoWH’s accounting processes across all 19 provincial offices and enabling greater transparency and operational efficiency.
• Institutional Reforms: Led the establishment of the Governance and Compliance Wing, addressing key operational risks and aligning DoWH’s functions with international standards.
• Improved Project Monitoring: Introduced enhanced risk management frameworks to mitigate issues raised by Auditor General’s reports, ensuring compliance and effective use of public funds.
• Capacity Building in Leadership and Compliance: Chaired multiple inter-departmental committees, including the Disciplinary and Housing Allocation Committees, advancing fair resource distribution and employee accountability.
• Global Representation: Represented Papua New Guinea in international forums, including APEC meetings and joint border consultations with Indonesia, bringing global best practices to national infrastructure governance.

Community and Social Impact

John Ame’s contributions extend beyond governance into areas that directly benefit communities across Papua New Guinea

• Promoting Social Accountability: His leadership ensures that infrastructure investments translate into tangible benefits for local communities, including improved service delivery in remote regions.
• Transparency in Public Resources: By streamlining financial systems and enforcing compliance, John has safeguarded public funds and ensured equitable resource distribution for rural and urban development.
• Engagement with Local Stakeholders: Actively collaborates with provincial and district leaders to align DoWH’s operations with community needs, fostering trust and inclusivity.

Vision and Future Aspirations

John Ame envisions a Department of Works and Highways that exemplifies global best practices in governance, compliance, and infrastructure development. Under his leadership, the Governance and Compliance Wing aims to,

• Enhance financial accountability to optimize infrastructure investments.
• Develop advanced risk management tools to address emerging challenges in infrastructure delivery.
• Promote inclusivity by ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their location or background, benefit from public infrastructure initiatives.

Bio

With over 40 years of service, John Ame has become a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s public sector governance. His career began as an Accounts Clerk in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province, and evolved into a leadership journey characterized by transformative reforms and unwavering dedication to transparency.

John holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) from the Wharton Institute of Technology & Science. He is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Management Accountants Papua New Guinea (ICMAPNG).

His legacy includes modernizing DoWH’s financial systems, fostering institutional integrity, and championing inclusive governance practices. Through his visionary leadership, John Ame continues to shape the Department of Works and Highways as a trusted steward of Papua New Guinea’s development.