Audit Committees inaugurated to strengthen accountability at MMDAs

The Internal Audit Agency (IAA) recently inaugurated Audit Committees for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region, aiming to bolster internal controls, oversee audit recommendations, and ensure prudent management of public resources. Deputy Director-General Bismark Aborbi-Ayitey, speaking on behalf of Director-General Conrad Z. Dumbah, emphasized the inauguration as a renewed pledge to accountability, transparency, and good governance at the local government level.

The committees are responsible for reviewing audit reports, monitoring implementation of recommendations, and addressing weaknesses in internal controls. Mr Aborbi-Ayitey urged members to act independently and objectively, presenting audit committees as partners in good governance rather than adversaries of management. The IAA emphasizes that every cedi entrusted to assemblies signifies public trust, requiring diligent oversight.

Deputy Minister Rita Naa Odoley Sowah highlighted the need for stronger oversight due to the increased flow of public resources to MMDAs, with assemblies now responsible for ensuring proper accounting of funds and translating them into tangible development. She urged committees to monitor key areas such as procurement, expenditure, revenue mobilization, contract management, asset management, and project implementation to prevent financial losses and recurring audit infractions.

The Reverend Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating, emphasized the importance of objectivity, integrity, professionalism, and diligence in the committees' duties. He urged them to measure their effectiveness by the improvements brought to the operations of the assemblies, rather than the number of meetings attended.

Members of the Audit Committees, comprising three independent members and two others nominated by management, took Oaths of Office and Secrecy, completing conflict-of-interest declarations as part of the inauguration process.