Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the country have been advised to use reports of Internal Auditors in enhancing probity and accountability.
The Public Accounts Committee of parliament in scrutinizing how public funds were used in recent times blamed some heads of assemblies for neglecting previous advises given by auditors to stop misappropriation of public funds.
Many assemblies including the Nkwanta South and the Keta Municipal were cited in the 2014 Public Accounts Committee report in parliament for some misappropriation of funds due non-adherence to laid down financial rules.
Speaking to Citi Business News at the sidelines of the Annual National Conference of the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Director General of the Internal Audit Agency, Kwabena Obese-Jecty blamed the situation on the perception that internal auditors only look out for faults.
“In Ghana many people see Internal Auditors as a policeman or someone fishing for mistakes so people try all their best to hide reports and financial statements from them”, he said.
According to him, the country has seen an upsurge in misuse of funds at the Public Accounts Committee sittings due to attempts to hide financial malfeasance.
He maintained that reports filed by Internal Auditors are not necessarily aimed at criminalizing workers and accountants but targeted at improving future financial works.
Touching on how Internal Auditors and External Auditors can collaborate to achieve optimum results, the Auditor-General, Mr. Richard Quartey explained that effective operation of an internal audit is an integral part of an entity’s good governance framework.
“Internal audit’s primary objective as defined by the Institute of Internal Auditors is to provide independent , objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve organization’s operations”, he said.
Mr. Quartey stated that, a smooth collaboration between auditors will also help Boards and Managements to accomplish objectives by meeting strategic and operational target.
He cautioned that, internal audit function in the public and private sector must conform to rules and the disciplines of the profession to enhance integrity.
By: Lawrence Segbefia/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana