Dr. Eric Oduro Osae, Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency inaugurated the Audit Committee of the University of Media, Arts and Communication on 16th February, 2023.
Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, Ag. Vice Chancellor of the University chaired the inauguration. In his address, the Ag. Vice Chancellor informed the meeting that UniMAC is a merger of three specialized institutions namely the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), Ghana Institute of Languages (GIL) and National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI). He spoke on the purpose of the meeting and appreciated the presence of the Director General.
Dr. Osae in his address informed members of the Committee that it has a great role to play as the first Audit Committee of the three merged institutions. He said the Committee has a lot to do and tasked Management to give members an orientation on the activities of the University.
He tasked members of the Audit Committee to provide advice to Management and draw its attention to avoidable pitfalls with their expertise. Dr. Osae enumerated the three main roles of the Committee under the Public Financial Management Act as mandatory, advisory and supporting. Under the mandatory role, the Director-General informed members of the Committee of their requirement to work with Management to implement recommendations that come from the Internal Audit Directorate, recommendations from External Auditors reports and Management Letter of the Auditor-General, produce an annual report which is copied to the Office of the President, Parliament, Auditor-General and Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency. He encouraged members to develop a working relationship with the Audit Committee of the Sector Ministry to keep the Minister informed of issues in the University.
Speaking on the advisory role, Dr. Osae encouraged members of the Committee to advise Management and Council to ensure Management delivers on its mandate. He tasked them to ensure a risk-based plan is developed for the University to prevent the exposure of the University to any form of risk. He informed the meeting of the soon publication of a defaulters list.
On the supporting role, the Director-General tasked members to work with the Internal Audit Directorate to get the internal audit system working. He pledged the support of the Agency and encouraged Management of the University to give its utmost support to the Committee.
Professor Kwansah-Aidoo in his closing remarks pledged his maximum commitment and support to the Committee and solicited the Committee’s support.
Members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Kena Ofori Atta (Chairman and IAA Rep), Mrs. Rita Sarkodie Baffoe (IAA Rep), Mrs. Doris Owusua Tetteh (ICAG Rep). Dr. Evelyn O. Oduro is a council member of UniMAC. Beatrice Ampah is the Secretary of the Committee.
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