The Acting Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), Mr. Conrad Z. Dumbah, has paid a courtesy call on Auditor-General Dr. Pamela Graham to discuss closer collaboration in promoting accountability, transparency and sound public financial management.

The meeting focused on areas of mutual interest, including staff development, the implementation of audit recommendations and technical collaboration between both institutions.

Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Graham expressed her appreciation for the visit and highlighted the important roles both institutions play in safeguarding public resources.

In his remarks, Mr. Dumbah emphasised the important role both institutions play in protecting the public purse.

He noted that Internal Auditors work within organisations to improve internal controls and manage risks, while the Audit Service independently audits and reports to Parliament on the management of public resources.

He observed that although the two institutions have different mandates, they complement each other, making collaboration important in promoting accountability.

Among other proposals discussed were staff exchange initiatives to share knowledge and quarterly engagements to review progress and address emerging issues.

Both institutions further agreed to explore support from development partners to build staff capacity in public sector auditing.

Another key area of discussion was the implementation of audit recommendations. Mr. Dumbah noted that the value of audits goes beyond identifying issues, as the real impact is achieved when recommendations are acted upon and improvements are made.

He therefore called for greater collaboration in following up on audit recommendations to achieve lasting improvements in public financial management.

Deputy Auditor- General in charge of the Local Government Audit Department, Mr. George Winful, also outlined the Service’s efforts to develop an e-tracker to improve the monitoring and follow-up of audit recommendations.

He explained that the platform would help track audit recommendations and provide updates on actions taken by audited entities.

It would also improve coordination between the Service and relevant stakeholders involved in the follow-up process.

Also present at the meeting were Mrs. Roberta Assiamah-Appiah, Deputy Auditor-General in charge of Commercial Audit Department, Mr. Samuel Frimpong-Manso, Deputy Auditor-General in charge of Performance and Special Audit Department and Madam Eugenia Shorme Nortey, Deputy Auditor-General in charge of Educational Institutions Audit Department.