Audit Committees inaugurated to strengthen accountability at MMDAs

The inauguration of Audit Committees for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region took place in Accra on Wednesday. The formation of these committees aims to enhance internal controls, oversee the implementation of audit recommendations, and ensure responsible management of public resources.

The Internal Audit Agency (IAA) led the ceremony, with Deputy Director-General Bismark Aborbi-Ayitey addressing the assembled members. Mr Aborbi-Ayitey emphasized the importance of independence and objectivity from the committees, stating that they should be seen as partners in good governance, not adversaries of management. The audit committees will be responsible for monitoring internal audit activities, reviewing audit reports, and verifying the execution of recommendations.

Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, highlighted the need for stronger oversight due to the increased allocation of public funds to MMDAs. She urged the committees to closely monitor procurement, expenditure, revenue mobilization, contract management, asset management, and project implementation to prevent financial losses and repeated audit infractions.

The Reverend Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinator, encouraged members to demonstrate professionalism, diligence, and integrity in their roles. He emphasized the importance of translating audit recommendations into real improvements in assembly operations. The five-member committees consist of three independent members (one appointed by the IAA, two by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana) and two management nominees.

Following the ceremonial oath-taking, committee members will focus on risk management, internal controls, procurement processes, financial management, and the implementation of both internal and external audit recommendations.