• Facilitates the online submission of reports to the Agency.
• Make available to stakeholders basic reference laws on Public Financial Management (PFM) and Internal Auditing.
• Provide Guidelines, Templates and Documents online for easy accessibility and use by our stakeholders.
• Provide periodic updates on activities at the Agency and provides an interactive platform to bridge the communication gap between the Agency and stakeholders.
• Provides information on Contemporary Professional Standards in Public Sector Internal Auditing.

THE AGENCY

The Internal Audit Agency is setup to perform its functions under Section 23 of the Internal Audit Agency Act 2003, (Act 658). The Agency is required to provide quality assurance and promote the practice of internal auditing in the public service. The Agency works with the Office of the President and other relevant stakeholders to promote the practice of internal audit and enhance the work of the internal auditors for quality internal audit service in the public sector. This has contributed to transparency, accountability and safeguarding of public sector resources.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In the past year, the Agency has chalked the following successes;

• Restructuring of Internal Audit Function In Ghana.

The Internal Audit Board in 2019 continued its pursuit to restructure public sector internal auditing with the view to strengthening the Internal Audit Agency, IAUs of Covered Entities, and align Public Sector internal audit function to support national financial priorities and strategies of government. The restructuring will lead to an amendment of the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658) and this is ongoing.

• Monitoring of Internal Audit Activities

The Agency reviews quarterly internal audit reports submitted by the IAUs. This is in line with its function under Section 16 (3) of the IAA Act 2003 (Act 658). The review of the reports mainly identifies recurring procurement, cash management and payroll infractions and make recommendations for remedial measures. The Agency also follows-up on the implementation of audit recommendations to ensure that Internal controls are strengthened.

• Training & Capacity Building

In pursuance of its mandate, the Agency trains public officers from covered entities in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Risk Based Internal Auditing, Procurement Audit, Financial Statement and Information Technology Audit. Training in soft skills was also provided to staff of IAUs in Eastern and Volta Regions.

• Education & Sensitization

In line with Section 3(3d) of Act 658, the Agency undertakes education, sensitization and continuous professional development through Annual Internal Audit Conference. The conference normally attracts over 1,600 public officers. Participants in the conference are challenged to implement systems and procedures that would safeguard national resources and inject more discipline in the management of public funds.

• Evaluation of IAUs Needs Assessment Survey

In line with Section 3(4) of Act 658, the Agency undertakes annual evaluation of IAUs of Covered Entities.  The evaluation helps the Agency to ascertain the effectiveness and efficiency of internal audit practice in the Covered Entities.                                                  The Agency also carries out Internal Audit Capabilities and Needs Assessment Survey of covered entities. The survey assesses the capabilities of internal auditors in areas of priority for the Public Service.

Challenges identified from the exercises are normally forwarded to appropriate stakeholders for redress.

• National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP)

As part of roles assigned to the Agency under the NACAP to fight against corruption and waste in the Public Sector, the Agency undertakes training of Audit Committee members, tracking implementation of outstanding internal audit recommendations, report on the status of implementing outstanding audit recommendations to the Minister for Finance and facilitates the formation, functioning and inauguration of Audit Committees.

THE INTERNAL AUDIT AGENCY’S 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN

The Agency is implementing a five (5) year Strategic Plan towards achieving the object for which the Agency was established. The Agency Is:

1. Working with stakeholders to repeal the Internal Audit Agency Act 2003 (Act 658) to restructure and reposition Public Sector internal audit function and strengthen the independence and objectivity of the staff of the IAUs for improved governance. The repeal will lead to consolidation of all internal audit resources under the IAA.
2. Work with Government for the construction of a permanent office for the Agency.
3. The Board will continue to play effective oversight role through budgetary control and other measures to ensure that management make optimal use of resources so as to provide value for money for the work of the Agency.
4. Promote the use of Technology in the Internal Audit functions to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in the work practices. This will be achieved by automating the Agency’s functions and increasing the use of Computer Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) in Public Sector Internal Auditing. The EU is currently supporting the Agency to develop and deploy an Audit Management Information System (AMIS) to support the Agency’s work.

CONCLUSION

The Internal Audit Board takes this opportunity to express its appreciation and gratitude to  stakeholders for their continued support to the Agency.

This new website is expected to be very interactive and to bridge the communication gap between the Agency and its stakeholders.

Welcome to the site!

Joseph Winful

Board Chairman

IAA Board.