The Agency held its End-of-Year Thanksgiving Service on 23rd December, 2022.The Service was attended by the Internal Audit Board Chairman, Mr. J.B. Winful and two other members of the Board, Mrs. Janet Ampadu Fofie and Mr. Christian Sottie.
The Director-General, Dr. E.O. Osae in giving the purpose of the gathering said the Service was held to give praise to God for how far He has brought the Agency. He said Christ is the foundation of all things and without him, nothing can be built. The Director-General mentioned that though the agenda of the Agency for the year have been laborious, God gave the wisdom to drive them.
Dr. Osae stated that during 2022, God gave the Agency an increased responsibility and gave the will-power to carry it through. Quoting Acts 6:7, he said increased responsibility equals increased efforts which equals results. He explained that the restructuring and repositioning of the Agency was an increased responsibility which required great efforts and would definitely yield a great reward. Citing Daniel 6:32-39, Dr. Osae mentioned that, with leadership, there would always be the “after-you”. He emphasized that a successful leader is one who is able to nurture a good successor.
He shared from 2 Corinthians 5:10 and 2 Corinthians 9:10 and said everyone would receive a reward for work done and as such everyone should commit to doing what is good. In concluding, he quoted John 16:17 and Romans 10:2 and said we are in the world but not of the world. He advised staff to be in IAA and ensure they are not part of the negativity but be with the winning team.
Mr. Winful in delivering his address stated that the Agency is an important police guard. He continued that, statements such as “the Government wants to protect the public purse” and ‘there is too much waste in the system” are often heard. He revealed that staff would have to play a very important role in eroding such statements. He expounded that staff would have to control the dissipation of funds, that is, ensure disbursement of funds is properly done and that misapplication does not happen.
The Board Chairman noted that when the above are done, the result would be an improved financial position of Ghana and staff would have contributed to the minimization of poverty in dear Mother Ghana. He mentioned that no methodology can be applied to salvaging the situation if staff do not dedicate themselves to ensuring a “zero-corruption-stance”. Concluding, the Board Chairman mentioned that it has been a difficult year but inroads have been made. He however bemoaned how some unscrupulous staff are undermining the efforts of the Agency and said appropriate sanctions would be meted out.
Rev Nai delivered the sermon and said hope was born when Christ was born at Christmas. This was to ensure that sin and death do not reign forever and have dominion over humans. Quoting Isaiah 7:4, Rev. Nai said what happened at Christmas was God-ordained and God-accomplished which points to grace. He said that hope is ‘Emmanuel’ and added that hope will dwell with IAA in the coming year. He advised staff to learn from Joseph as portrayed in Matthew 1:20-21 and say no to what is wrong. He implored staff to allow the God-factor make them better in 2023.
Rev Nai concluded his sermon by exhorting staff not to lose hope in spite of what is happening in the country, the reason being hope has been born in the person of Jesus.
A party climaxed the End-of Year Thanksgiving Service. Staff who had birthdays from July-December were celebrated amidst music provided by a live band.
