The Director-General of the Agency, Dr. E.O. Osae inaugurated the Audit Committee of the National Labour Commission (NLC) on 22nd August, 2022. In attendance were the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ofosu Asamoah and Mr. Kizito Ballans, Chief Director of the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR).
In his opening remarks, Hon. Ofosu Asamoah said the inauguration of the Audit Committee which is in conformity with the PFM Act is to help leadership of the Commission to properly administer public funds.
In a speech delivered by Mr. Nathan Yankey, Director of Operations on behalf of the Director-General, he stated that the Audit Committee is an important institution within the public governance structure to replace the Audit Report Implementation Committee (ARIC). Â He mentioned that the new Committee which is the 3rd for the NLC should continue to work to improve on the good work started by its predecessor. He outlined the statutory composition of three (3) external and two (2) internal members of the Audit Committee and requested the Principal Spending Officer (PSO) to issue appointment letters to members.
Mr. Yankey numerated the roles of the Committee as mandatory, advisory and supporting. He continued that the mandatory roles which are embedded in the PFM Act include the Committee ensuring that leadership of the Commission pursues implementation of audit recommendations contained in Internal and External Audit Reports, directives from PAC of Parliament and recommendations from Monitoring Reports that have financial implications. He also mentioned that the Committee is required to prepare and submit an annual report which should incorporate an annual statement from the PSO. On the advisory roles, the Director of Operations stated that the Committee should provide advisory services in areas such as compliance, enterprise risk management, the Labor Act, legal requirements and sound financial management. The Committee should also support leadership in ensuring effective control systems are put in place. He stressed that the Agency is available to provide support in the development of Risk Management Policy and a Risk Register should the Commission require assistance. According to Mr. Yankey, the supporting roles of the Audit Committee include supporting the Internal Audit Unit (IAU) to reduce infractions which will warrant the Commission’s appearance before PAC. He tasked the Committee to partner with the IAU to achieve the objectives of the institution.
His Lordship Justice Kwabena Asmah Adu, the Chairman of the Commission in his closing remarks entreated the Committee to ensure there was sound financial management and public funds allocated are used judiciously. He assured members of the support of leadership of NLC.
Members of the Committee are Mr. Eric S. Norgbey (ICAG Rep and Chairman of the Committee), Madam Edith Pinamang (IAA Rep), Mr. Richard Asante (IAA Rep), Messiers. Isaac Sackey and Francis Davoh (NLC Reps). Madam Esther Burns is Secretary to the Committee.
