Interior Ministry Launches Fresh Accountability Drive
With a renewed focus on transparency and corporate governance, the Interior Ministry has sworn in a new Audit Committee to oversee financial compliance and strengthen stewardship of public resources.
The Ministry of the Interior has inaugurated a new Audit Committee to reinforce financial accountability, strengthen internal controls and improve corporate governance as part of efforts to safeguard public resources and promote transparency in the management of state funds. The committee, inaugurated in Accra on Monday July 27, is expected to play a key oversight role by ensuring the implementation of audit recommendations, promoting compliance with financial regulations and supporting sound risk management practices within the Ministry.
Addressing the ceremony, the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, said the establishment of the committee reflects government’s commitment to enhancing accountability across public institutions and protecting the public purse. He commended the outgoing Audit Committee for its dedication and contribution to maintaining high standards of financial discipline within the Ministry. “I wish to express my sincerest gratitude to the outgoing chairman, Mr. Richard Ntim and members of the previous Committee for your selfless dedication in ensuring the effectiveness of the Ministry’s Audit Committee,” the Minister said.
Hon. Muntaka explained that the inauguration was undertaken in accordance with Section 86 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which requires Ministries, Departments and Agencies to establish Audit Committees to oversee key governance and financial management responsibilities. He noted that under Section 87 of the Act, the committee comprises five voting members, including two representatives from the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), one representative from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, and two Directors from the Ministry. The committee is also supported by three observers, the Chief Director, the Director of Finance and the Chief Internal Auditor.
The Minister charged the newly inaugurated members to diligently carry out their mandate by ensuring the implementation of recommendations arising from both internal and external audit reports. He urged them to provide strategic advice to the Ministry on transparent financial management, support compliance with applicable laws and regulations, strengthen internal control systems and promote effective corporate governance. According to him, the committee’s work will be instrumental in improving accountability, minimizing financial risks and ensuring prudent management of public resources.
Hon. Muntaka congratulated the members on their appointment and expressed confidence in their ability to work collaboratively in advancing the government’s governance and accountability agenda.
The Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, Mr. Conrad Dumbah, also welcomed the inauguration, describing Audit Committees as essential pillars of effective public financial management. He said the committee would help strengthen internal controls, ensure the prudent utilization of public funds and promote transparency and accountability in the Ministry’s operations.
Mr. Dumbah further noted that an effective Audit Committee provides an important mechanism for monitoring financial performance, addressing audit findings and reinforcing public confidence in the management of government institutions. The inauguration forms part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional governance and ensure greater compliance with public financial management laws, as government continues to prioritize accountability, transparency and efficient stewardship of public resources.
Source: Interior Ministry
Author: Joyce Owusu
