Mr. William Offei-Mensah, Deputy Director-General (Technical and Field Operations) of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) inaugurated the Audit Committee of the Judicial Service of Ghana on behalf of the Director-General on 6th October, 2022.
Members of the Committee are Prof. Adom Frimpong (Chairman and Board member of IAA), Dr. Eric Oduro Osae (Director-General, IAA), Mrs. Ernesticia Lartey Asmura (ICAG Rep). Mr. Anthony Forson Jnr and Brigadier-General MKG Asante are representatives of the Judicial Service Council.
In his opening address, Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, Chief Justice of Ghana said the Judicial Service is an arm of government that is quite sensitive. As a custodian of the law, the institution is expected to work within the confines of the law and use it as prescribed regardless of the fact that staff of the Service are not trained accountants. The Chief Justice shared on a recent negative media attack on the Service and the need for the reconstitution of the Audit Committee to deal with audit issues and other financial matters. He intimated that he hoped to see an improvement in financial issues of the Service with the composition of the Committee made up of a wide array of professionals and committed personalities. He appealed passionately to members help the Judiciary streamline its activities and avert negative press on the Service.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Offei-Mensah said the Audit Committee is a high-level Committee established under the Public Financial Management Act and is key to the transparency and accountability of the country. He shared on the constitution of the Audit Committee and outlined its roles as mandatory, advisory and supporting. On the mandatory roles, the Deputy Director-General informed members of their obligation to pursue the implementation of audit recommendations in respect of Internal and External Audit Reports, directives from Parliament on the Auditor-General’s Report and monitoring reports that have financial implications.
On the advisory roles, Mr. Offei-Mensah tasked the Committee to use its expertise in respect to financial and risk management, internal controls and governance. He added that the Committee in its supporting role, is required to guide the Internal Audit Unit to ensure its effective functioning and support staff of the Unit to deliver on their mandate.
The Deputy Director-General in concluding his address noted that the Audit Committee is very important in the governance of the Judicial Service and as such requires the support of Management and all key stakeholders in the execution of its mandate and work as partners in accomplishing the efficient management of public funds.
Justice Anin-Yeboah in his closing remarks thanked members of the Committee for responding to the invitation and said he was counting on them to uplift the image of the Service. He encouraged members to update the Service on new financial laws and regulations to guide in the operations of the institution. Â The Chief Justice assured his support and cooperation to the work of the Committee at all times.
