Professor John Owusu Gyapong, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho (UHAS) has in accordance with section 87 of the Public Finance Management Act 2016, inaugurated a five-member Audit Committee on behalf of the University Council Chairman, His Lordship Justice Victor Jones Mawulom Dotse. The brief ceremony took place at the Council Chamber, UHAS Main Campus, Sokode-Lokoe, Ho.

The Committee is chaired by Mr. Eric Norgbey, a retired Auditor with more than two decades of experience with the Internal Audit Agency and the Ghana Revenue Authority. Other members of the Committee include Mr. Martin Dordzie (nominated by Internal Audit Agency), Mr. Kennedy Kormla Deh (nominated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants -Ghana), Mr. Kwesi Asaredom Hagan (UHAS) and Professor Evelyn Korkor Ansah (UHAS). Members of the Committee will serve a-two year term, with a limit to two terms.

The Vice-Chancellor explained that, the Committee is assigned with the responsibility of pursuing the implementation of recommendations contained in Internal Audit Reports, decisions of Parliament based on the Auditor-General’s report, Auditor-General’s management letter and the report of an internal monitoring directorate of the university, particularly in relations to financial matters.

He said that the Committee is expected to ensure that the University’s internal financial control systems are functioning effectively and they meet the objectives of the University. Additionally, Professor Gyapong stated that, the Committee as part of its functions will also make recommendations to the University Council on how to improve the quality of internal audit system of UHAS. These recommendations he explained should be based on sound, transparent and reliable financial management practices .

Acknowledging the fact that majority of members are appointed from sectors that are outside the University, Professor Gyapong took time to brief them on the vision, mission, strategic objectives and some key functionaries of UHAS.

Professor John Owusu Gyapong appealed to them to eschew what is perceived as ‘Policeman attitude’ that is related to the profession. He said as members of the Committee, they are part of UHAS and should therefore effectively collaborate with all, especially the Internal Audit Directorate to ensure smooth discharge of their duties.

He further cautioned that the Committee’s actions must be guided by the principles of integrity and confidentiality .

Delivering a short message on behalf of the Director General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), Mr. Seth Anaglate admonished the members of the Committee to adhere to the roles and guidelines of the Audit Committee as enshrined in the Public Financial Management Act.

He concluded by pledging the support of the Internal Audit Agency. He also called for the support of Management and all key stakeholders to enable the Committee render its statutory mandate. On behalf of his colleague members, Mr. Norgbey, Chairperson of the Committee expressed their appreciation for the privilege to serve on the Committee.

He called for the support of Management, the Council and other stakeholders to help them carry out their responsibilities effectively and efficiently. Present at the inauguration were Professor Seth Owusu- Adjei (Pro Vice-Chancellor), Dr. Cynthia Sena Kpeglo (Registrar), Mr. Thomas Kwegyir- Abadoo, (Director, Internal Audit), Madam Charity Akosua Dzormeku (Director, Finance Directorate) and Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni (Senior Assistant Registrar, Human Resource Directorate and a Secretary to the Committee).