Mrs. Marian Ofosu-Dankyi, Director for Human Resource and Administration inaugurated the Audit Committee of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre (KAIPTC) on 20th April, 2023, on behalf of the Director-General, Dr. Eric Oduro Osae.
The meeting was chaired by Major General Richard Addo Gyane, the commandant of the Centre. In his opening address, he said the Centre is a donor-funded institution and as such, there Is the need for transparency and accountability in the institution’s financial dealing with its donor partners and the Government of Ghana. He was optimistic that, the coming in of the Audit Committee would contribute to the effective functioning of the Centre and ensure accountability to its development partners.
Mrs. Ofosu-Dankyi in an address delivered on behalf of the Director-General, stated that the Audit Committee is a high-level Corporate Governance Committee which adds to the effectiveness of public accountability and efficient use of state resources. She remarked that the inauguration is to fulfill the responsibilities imposed on KAIPTC under Section 86 (1) of the PFM Act, the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378), the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) as amended, the Guidelines for Effective Functioning of Audit Committees and other applicable financial laws.
Mrs. Ofosu-Dankyi enumerated the three roles of the Committee as mandatory, advisory and supporting. On the mandatory roles, she stated that the Committee is required to assist Management in pursuing the implementation of recommendations contained in Internal and External Audit Reports, Auditor-General’s Management Letter and reports of Monitoring Units that have financial implications. The Committee is also mandated to submit an annual report on its activities to stakeholders including the Office of the President.
On the advisory role, the Director tasked the Committee to provide advisory services on Financial and Risk Management Practices, internal controls, governance processes and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Speaking on the supporting role, Mrs. Ofosu-Dankyi tasked members to adhere to timelines in the preparation and submission of Quarterly Reports, Annual Reports and Work plans by the Internal Audit Unit. She concluded by noting the importance of the Audit Committee in the governance of the Centre and requested Management’s support in the execution of the Committee’s mandate. Mrs. Ofosu-Dankyi encouraged members to work with Management as partners in development towards accomplishing efficient management of public funds.
Members of the Committee are Mr. Hayford Dowuona-Hammond (IAA Rep and Chairman of the Committee), Mr. Patrick Nyarko (IAA Rep), Ms Akosua Abuagyewaa Asare (ICAG Rep). Madam Regina Awoo is a representative of KAIPTC and Major Robert Laryea Okorley is secretary to the Committee.
