Internal auditors from Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) have made a formal appeal to the Head of Local Government Service to elevate their status from a unit within the central administration to a full department.

This call was made at the 7th Annual Congress of the National Internal Auditors Association, held in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region.

In his keynote address at the event, themed “Effective and Efficient Internal Auditing: The Panacea to Healthy Nation Building,” Mr Michael Ayivi, President of the National Internal Auditors Association of MMDAs and RCCs, expressed the frustrations of auditors who are currently treated as a subordinate unit within the assembly's central administration.

“We are currently classified as a unit, and because of that, internal auditors are not recognized as heads of departments. This limits our authority and the impact we can have on ensuring proper auditing standards are followed,” Mr. Ayivi emphasized. He made a passionate plea for the Head of Local Government Service to expedite the process of upgrading the Internal Audit unit to a full department, arguing that it is essential for fostering accountability and improving the efficiency of the auditing processes.

Strengthening Accountability and Governance

Representing the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, Mr Etornam Flolu James, MCE of Afadzato South and New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for the constituency, highlighted the importance of internal auditing in promoting good governance. He underscored that the theme of the congress reflects the critical role internal auditors play in driving transparency and accountability within both public and private institutions.

“The internal auditing profession is essential in ensuring that public institutions function with transparency and accountability, both of which are fundamental pillars of a thriving nation. The time is ripe for the service to recognize and elevate this crucial profession,” Mr. Flolu stated, commending the auditors for their consistent efforts in nation-building.

A Call for Institutional Support

Also speaking at the event, Mr Seth Anaglateh, delivering a speech on behalf of the Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, Dr Oduro Osae, echoed similar sentiments. He noted that internal auditors play an indispensable role in promoting accountability, efficiency, and adherence to ethical standards in organizational operations.

"Internal auditing ensures that institutions comply with regulations, promoting trust among stakeholders. With the implementation of policies that foster transparency and ethical decision-making, internal auditors are at the forefront of ensuring that organizations, particularly in the public sector, maintain high standards of governance,” Mr Anaglateh said.

He applauded the congress's theme for the year, describing it as timely, especially in an era where trust in public institutions needs bolstering through rigorous and independent auditing processes.

As the congress wrapped up, it became evident that internal auditors were united in their quest for greater institutional recognition. Their call to be elevated from a unit to a department aims not just at increasing their status but at enhancing their capacity to foster better governance across the country, which they believe is a fundamental aspect of nation-building.

The auditors remain hopeful that their appeal to the Head of Local Government Service will be met with favourable action, leading to structural reforms that will empower them to contribute even more effectively to transparency and good governance in Ghana.