Veep addresses internal audit forum in Accra

Vice-president Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur has bemoaned the disregard for audit queries in the public sector, in clear violation of the law.

Opening the Nineth Annual Internal Audit Forum in Accra yesterday, Mr Amissah-Arthur underscored the need for auditors to restore the profession to the status it had in the 1960s and 70s when auditors were held in high regard.

The two-day conference which has the theme: “Improving governance in the public sector,” brought together auditors, district coordinating directors and other public officials from across the country. It is being organised by the Internal Audit Agency (IAA).

Mr Amissah-Arthur said the numerous negative audit reports were an indication of the breakdown of the financial control mechanisms in agencies.

Transparency

Mr Amissah-Arthur recalled that to ensure transparency in the conduct of government business, President John Mahama launched a code of ethics for government appointees last year.

He also drew attention to the guidelines on conflict of interest that were issued jointly by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Public Services Commission (PSC) for public servants in 2008.

He reminded the participants that those initiatives were designed to promote integrity and good professional conduct within the public sector.

“The important function expected of the audit implementation committees is for them to improve governance in the public sector,” he stressed.

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The Vice-President lauded the decision by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament to broadcast its proceedings live on television and said that the move gave impetus to the efforts to promote accountability, strengthen budget oversight and combat corruption. 

Transfer

The Director-General of IAA, Mr Kwabena Obesse-Jecty, was worried about the use of transfer and posting of internal auditors as a form of punishment in the public sector.

“In the Senchi Consensus, Point Four asks us to foster an environment in the Public Service free of intimidation,” he reminded all and expressed optimism that measures would be taken to curb “this unproductive and illegal practice.”

Resource public service

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the shortage of good leadership and managerial resources in the public sector which, he said, continued to be the challenge facing the quest for good governance.

He further expressed his frustration over the inability of public institutions to carry out their mandate to ensure good governance in the public sector and cited inadequate resources allocation as a major factor for this.

Make auditors part of management

The Board Chairman of IAA, Nii Adumansa-Baddoo, said upon much deliberation and consultation, it had become apparent that the internal audit function would be better served if it was part of management.

Meanwhile, he has urged heads of the public service to support internal auditors in the performance of their duties.

He added that the provision of improved human resource in the public service was critical to the improvement of governance in the country.