Interior Minister Inaugurates New Audit Committee to Strengthen Accountability
The Minister for the Interior, Mr Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has inaugurated a new Audit Committee to strengthen accountability, safeguard public resources and enhance corporate governance within the Ministry.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Accra on Monday, the Minister described the committee as an important mechanism for promoting transparency, financial discipline and effective management of public funds.
He explained that the inauguration was in accordance with Section 86 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which requires Ministries, Departments and Agencies to establish Audit Committees to perform specific governance functions.
Mr Muntaka noted that under Section 87 of Act 921, the Committee comprises five voting members, including two representatives from the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), one representative from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, and two Directors from the Ministry. Three observers, the Chief Director, the Director of Finance, and the Chief Internal Auditor, will also support the Committee’s work.
The Minister commended the outgoing Audit Committee for its dedication and contribution to the Ministry’s sound financial management, saying its efforts had helped maintain high standards of accountability.
“I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to the outgoing chairman, Mr Richard Ntim, and members of the previous Committee for your selfless dedication in ensuring the effectiveness of the Ministry’s Audit Committee,” he stated.
Mr Muntaka tasked the newly inaugurated Committee to ensure the implementation of recommendations contained in both internal and external audit reports, provide strategic advice on transparent financial management and support the Ministry’s Management in complying with relevant laws and regulations.
He further urged the Committee to strengthen risk management systems and promote good corporate governance to improve the Ministry’s operational efficiency and public confidence.
The Minister congratulated the members on their appointment and expressed confidence in their ability to work collaboratively in advancing the vision of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration through prudent financial management and accountability.
The Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, Mr Conrad Dumbah, commended the Ministry for constituting the Committee, describing it as an important step toward strengthening internal controls and ensuring the prudent use of public funds.
He said the Committee would play an important role in promoting accountability, enhancing corporate governance and supporting effective financial management within the Ministry.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
