Five-Member Audit Committee Inaugurated to Strengthen Accountability
The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has inaugurated a five-member Audit Committee to strengthen internal controls, promote accountability, and ensure sound financial management and good corporate governance.
The inauguration is aimed at enhancing oversight of the Ministry’s financial and administrative operations to ensure that resources are managed effectively and in line with the laws and regulations governing public institutions.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mrs Emelia Arthur, underscored the importance of the Committee in identifying weaknesses in the Ministry’s systems, recommending corrective measures and supporting effective delivery of its mandate.
She urged members to discharge their duties with independence, integrity and diligence, stressing that their work was essential to building strong systems and promoting transparency in the management of public resources.
Mrs Arthur also charged the members to maintain confidentiality, declare any conflicts of interest and ensure that agreed audit recommendations were followed through to their implementation.
She said effective oversight required more than identifying weaknesses, adding that the Committee must help ensure that the necessary corrective actions were taken to improve the Ministry’s operations.
The Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), Mr Conrad Dumbah, outlined the roles and responsibilities of the Committee and encouraged members to serve as an assurance mechanism and trusted partner to the Ministry.
He stressed the need for accurate, objective and independent oversight to help management identify risks, address control weaknesses and strengthen compliance with established financial management procedures.
The Committee is mandated under the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), and the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378), to provide oversight of internal audit functions, risk management, financial reporting, compliance and the implementation of audit recommendations.
The five-member Committee is chaired by Ms Joyce Enyonam Agbanavor, with Mr Emmanuel Gbogr, Ms Bernice Beauty Agudu, Mr Eric Kwasi Baah and Mr Benjamin Botchway serving as members.
The Committee is expected to work closely with the Ministry’s management to promote effective governance, strengthen accountability, and ensure that public resources are used efficiently in support of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
