Uphold high standards of professionalism - Prof. Amartey to Auditors
A former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) Accra, Prof. Abednego F. O. Amartey, has called on auditors to uphold high standards of professionalism to foster accountability and prevent corruption.
He said when professionals abided by such standards, efficiency and effectiveness would be enhanced for increased productivity and business growth.
Prof. Amartey was speaking at the 2025 Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Ghana Annual National Internal Audit and Governance Conference at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra last Monday, on the theme: “Elevating professionalism for national development.”
The three-day event saw more than 500 auditors participate from across the country.
Corruption
Prof. Amartey, however, said that while professionals should be commended for their efforts, acts such as “corruption, fraud and misappropriation indicate that our professionalism needs improvement”.
“Nothing engenders more trust, credibility and respect than committing to ethics in our conduct as professionals.
Through ethical behaviour, we project professionalism and earn the confidence of our colleagues, clients and the public,” he said.
Prof. Amartey further highlighted the huge loss the country had made over the years due to corruption and called on auditors to work hard to reverse the situation.
“It is estimated that Ghana loses $3 billion annually to corruption, which represents approximately 4 per cent of the 2024 GDP of $79.5 billion.
“In 2024, Ghana scored 42 out of 100 on the Corruption Perceptions Index, ranking 80th out of 180 countries. This score indicates a moderate level of perceived corruption in the public sector.
“Also, according to the Global Corruption Barometer, 33 per cent of Ghanaians believe that corruption increased in the previous 12 months. Additionally, 33 per cent of public service users reported paying a bribe during the same period,” he stated.
Prof. Amartey also encouraged auditors to take advantage of continuous professional development opportunities offered to equip themselves to deliver credible services to clients.
He said that the business environment was changing rapidly due to many factors, including technological advancement and artificial intelligence, hence, the need for professionals to be abreast of evolving trends through ongoing education.
The Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, Abena Osei-Poku, who was the special guest of honour, also urged auditors to always live up to expectation to nurture trust and propel sustainable businesses for economic growth.
She said professionalism was not only a personal virtue but also a catalyst for institutional credibility and national development.
Mrs Osei-Poku urged Ghanaians to emulate the example of Japan, “a highly developed country, with a global reputation that was built on precision, discipline and pride in work”.
“If we each uphold professionalism as a daily standard, not just as a career requirement, we will transform our institutions, restore trust in leadership, and build the Ghana our forefathers envisioned,” she added.
Collaboration
The President of IIA Ghana, Joseph Dakora Zumasigee, called for collaboration with other professional bodies.
He said the institute was committed to replicating the global memoranda of understanding between the IIA and some notable professional bodies who had a presence in the country.
“We will explore further opportunities to work with other professional bodies within Ghana towards national development,” the president added.
