Digital Transformation of Public Financial Management in Ghana and Developing Economies: A Systematic Review of Accountability, Transparency, and Efficiency

Purpose This systematic review rigorously assesses the digitisation of Public Financial Management (PFM) in Ghana and similar developing economies, examining how major digital tools such as IFMIS, e-procurement, and digital payment platforms promote accountability, transparency, and fiscal discipline. It synthesises empirical evidence and theoretical insights from studies published between 2013 and 2025 and aims to (1) analyze bibliometric trends in digital PFM research, (2) evaluate PFM effectiveness and governance by considering legal frameworks, audit quality, and digital technologies on transparency and local government performance, (3) assess implementation barriers and the quality of evidence by identifying structural challenges and evaluating methodological rigor, (4) examine theoretical and comparative perspectives to synthesize dominant frameworks and compare digital interventions, and (5) develop a synthesis framework that maps the pathways from digital interventions through governance factors to institutional outcomes. Methodology: Following the PRISMA 2020 framework, the study collates empirical findings and theoretical insights from peer‑reviewed literature published between 2013 and 2025 using Python (v3.11) supplemented by manual data extraction. The synthesis organizes evidence to examine the relationship between technology adoption and institutional outcomes. Findings: The analysis shows that digital PFM solutions markedly strengthen budget credibility, streamline procurement, and widen the tax base through real‑time revenue monitoring. However, their effectiveness varies. While a distinct “transparency dividend” emerges, achieving Value for Money (VFM) is often limited by infrastructure gaps, weak regulatory adherence, and organisational pushback. Crucially, the review demonstrates that technology is most successful when supported by solid internal audit systems, independent auditor‑client links, and strong political commitment. Originality: Diverging from earlier work that treated digitisation in isolation, this review underscores the moderating influence of “soft” governance elements—such as ethical leadership and normative legal frameworks—on unlocking the benefits of “hard” digital infrastructure. Practical implications: The study concludes that digitisation alone does not guarantee PFM reform. Policymakers should adopt a comprehensive strategy that couples digital infrastructure investment with institutional capacity building and rigid legal enforcement. Future research ought to focus on longitudinal designs to trace causal pathways between digital adoption and reduced fiscal waste.