Finance Minister tasks Internal Audit Agency Board to lead reforms, curb public sector waste
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) to review the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003, and lead reforms aimed at reducing waste and strengthening accountability in the public sector.
According to the Minister, a stronger internal audit system is essential to ensuring value for money and improving the management of public resources.
The nine-member board was inaugurated by Dr Forson at the Ministry of Finance in Accra on June 11, 2026, with the Ministry announcing the development three days later.
Addressing members of the board, Dr Forson noted that many of the challenges facing Ghana’s public financial management system could be traced to weaknesses in internal controls and accountability structures.
“We must turn the Internal Audit Agency around and restore it to the purpose for which it was established,” he stated.
The Finance Minister expressed concern over the recurring irregularities highlighted in reports by the Auditor General, saying they reflect persistent shortcomings in accountability systems, including the internal audit function.
He urged the board to implement measures that would strengthen oversight and ensure auditors who fail to carry out their duties effectively are held accountable.
Dr Forson indicated that sanctions could include the withdrawal of licences of auditors found to have neglected their responsibilities.
“The level of waste is too high, and the Ghanaian taxpayer is losing too much. We need to find a way to fix it,” he said.
As part of broader reforms, the Minister announced plans to establish an Auditors’ Court to strengthen oversight of internal auditors and improve accountability within the profession.
He also called on the Agency to expand its professional development programmes to equip auditors with the skills and expertise needed to perform their roles effectively.
Dr Forson assured the Agency of continued government support as part of efforts to strengthen public financial management and enhance public confidence in the use of state resources.
He added that the board’s success should ultimately be reflected in future Auditor General’s reports through reduced audit infractions and improved compliance across public institutions.
Responding on behalf of the board, Chairperson Professor Joshua Yindenaba Abor described the appointment as a call to national service and pledged the board’s commitment to promoting accountability and prudent management of public resources.
He said the board would work to strengthen the Agency and advance its mandate of promoting transparency, compliance and sound financial management within the public sector.
The board comprises Professor Joshua Yindenaba Abor as Chairperson, Mr Benjamin Adjetey Sowah, Mr Divine Yao Ayidzoe, Dr Irene Stella Agyenim Boateng, Mr Thomas Ashaley Thompson Aryee, Mr Daniel Ofosu, Dr Isaac Nyame, Mr Kwesi Esso Thomas and Mr Godfred Ashiagbor.