KOFORIDUA – The Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has noted that Audit Committees play an important role in the governance structure of public institutions by promoting transparency, accountability, effective financial management and good governance within the public sector.
She said Section 86 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), requires the establishment of Audit Committees in government institutions. She said the establishment of the committees was intended to strengthen transparency, good governance and accountability within public services and agencies.
She made this known at the mass inauguration of Audit Committees of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Eastern, Oti and Volta Regions held in Koforidua on 26th August 2026.
“As a foundation of good governance, Audit Committees are expected to assess whether scarce public resources are being managed responsibly, efficiently and effectively for the development of the country,” the Regional Minister added.
Mrs. Awatey, however, said Audit Committees have both mandatory and advisory roles and responsibilities provided for under Section 88(1) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), and charged committee members to comply with the provisions.
She noted that providing management with advice on internal controls, risk management and governance processes would help public institutions identify weaknesses, address financial management challenges and improve their overall accountability systems.
For her part, Dr. Cynthia Ayorkor Sallah, Deputy Director-General in charge of Technical and Field Operations at the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), stressed the need for effective internal controls within public institutions. She noted that, to build a sustainable economy, public institutions must strive to achieve value for money in all financial transactions and the management of public resources.
Dr. Sallah urged management of the various Assemblies to provide adequate support to the committees to enable them to perform their functions effectively and efficiently.
She said strengthening Internal Audit Units was vital, as the units identify weaknesses in financial and administrative systems before such issues become significant audit findings. She added that effective collaboration between management, Internal Audit Units and Audit Committees would help prevent many audit infractions before External Auditors undertake their work.
She noted that one of the key responsibilities of the committees was to monitor and pursue the implementation of recommendations contained in audit reports relating to their respective Assemblies and institutions.
Dr. Sallah encouraged members to familiarise themselves with the relevant laws, regulations and guidelines governing public financial management and audit, and to apply their professional knowledge, skills and experience to the work of the committees.
Administering the Oath of Membership and Secrecy to the members, Dr. Sallah reminded them of their commitment to uphold a high level of confidentiality and ensure that information obtained in the course of their work is handled professionally and responsibly.
She encouraged them to be firm, resolute, sincere, independent and honest in the discharge of their duties, guided by professional ethics, integrity and the public interest.
_Story by Dr. Dr. Ageorgia_
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