Accelerate passage ofIAA Bill – Dr Osae
DR Eric Oduro Osae, Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), has urged the government to accelerate the passage of the IAA Bill to address financial irregularities in state institutions.
He emphasized that this legislation would grant the IAA the independence necessary to effectively reduce the anomalies frequently highlighted in the Auditor-General’s annual report.
Dr Osae made these remarks during a media workshop organized by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in Accra. The workshop, funded by the Hewlett Foundation, aimed to equip journalists with a deeper understanding of public sector auditing and the implications of audit recommendations.
The initiative, part of the “Building Evidence for Increased Accountability in Ghana” project, highlighted the critical role of the media in reducing audit irregularities, curbing corruption, and ensuring the effective implementation of recommendations from both the Auditor-General and internal auditors.
Dr Osae stressed the importance of strengthening the legal framework supporting the IAA’s work, stating that without these improvements, financial irregularities would continue to be a recurring issue.
He highlighted that value for money in public transactions should encompass not just economics, efficiency, and effectiveness, but also an evaluation of environmental impacts.
“It is crucial to assess how public transactions affect the environment to ensure comprehensive value for money. We must prioritize prevention over reaction; we should not wait for issues to arise before taking action,” Dr. Osae asserted.
He expressed optimism that the workshop would empower journalists to ask critical questions, follow the trail of public funds, and ensure that public expenditure is always justified.
Dr Osae also pointed out that the focus has traditionally been on empowering external auditors, who are often brought in only after issues have occurred. He called for a shift from this reactive approach to one that is proactive, addressing potential issues before they arise.
He emphasized the need for consistent accountability among duty bearers to ensure that Ghana’s resources are used judiciously and that good governance is upheld.
“I want to see the commitment to strengthening the IAA reflected in the manifestos of the two leading political parties. Whichever party wins the next election must be held to their promises regarding this critical issue,” Dr. Osae stated.
Adding to the discussion, Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of GACC, called for a clearer definition of corruption in line with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, to which Ghana is a signatory.
She expressed concern that the Conduct of Public Officers Bill has been overlooked for eight years under the current administration, expressing hope that it would be enacted before the end of the year and not become another unfulfilled campaign promise.
Mrs. Narteh further stressed the need to strengthen the IAA to ensure greater independence in its operations, noting that the agency’s current limitations are contributing to corruption in public management and fund oversight, as well as eroding accountability for public funds.
