GCTU Inaugurates its Maiden Audit Committee

In fulfilling the requirement of section 86 of the Public Financial Management Act 2016, Act 921, by the university, Thursday, 21st October 2021 marked yet another landmark occasion in the annals of GCTU as it commemorated the inauguration of the University’s maiden Audit Committee.

The inauguration ceremony, which was hosted by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Ohene Afoakwa, was also graced by the presence of the Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency, Dr. Eric Oduro Osae.

In attendance at the inauguration were the Interim Registrar, Mr. Nii Adotei Abrahams, the Interim Director of Finance, Dr. Muhammed Hamisu, the Acting Director of Internal Audit, Mr. Kennedy Oppong Fosu and the Acting Director of University Relations, Dr. Nusrat-Jahan Abubakar.

The committee is statutorily mandated to pursue the implementation of any recommendation contained in (i) an internal audit report; (ii) Parliament’s decision on the Auditor-General’s report; (iii) Auditor-General’s Management Letter; and (iv) the report of an internal monitoring unit in the covered entity concerned particularly, in relation to financial matters raised.

Dr. Osae, who, after expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such an auspicious occasion, officially swore-in the new Audit Committee members with the administration of the oath of office and the oath of secrecy.

The five-member committee is chaired by Mr. Ransford Agyei, the former Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency. In his brief but concise remarks, Mr. Agyei, stated that it was an honour to be appointed to chair the committee. He emphasized his wholehearted commitment to the role and the task that lay ahead. He underscored that, as a former Director General of the Internal Audit Agency, he was fully aware of the Committee’s responsibilities, which may be akin to a ‘Mini Public Accounts Committee’. He emphasized that, together, the Committee would ensure that all audit recommendations would be effectively implemented and concluded his address by thanking the Director-General and the University Council for granting him the opportunity to serve the nation in such an honourable capacity.

In his closing address, Dr. Osae reaffirmed the confidence in the newly appointed Committee, encouraging them to ensure that at all costs, they would work with the institution to promptly and effectively deal with any relevant audit issues in order to avoid appearing before the Public Accounts Committee. Dr. Osae spoke at length about the role of the Committee, emphasizing that, fundamentally, it would be responsible for the execution of three major functions; the mandatory role, the advisory role, and the supporting role. He also provided some insight into the role of the University’s internal Auditor, Mr. Kennedy Oppong Fosu, who, among others, would be responsible for ensuring that the University would not be culpable in flouting any stipulations of the Right to Information Act among others

The Director-General concluded by reiterating the Internal Audit Agency’s intent to work closely with GCTU and play a part in repositioning it to become a World Class technology-oriented institution of higher learning.

As a University Community, we congratulate the Audit Committee members on their appointments, and we wish them all the best in their execution of their duties during their tenure. We echo the sentiments of Dr. Osae, as we anticipate the positive impact of what promises to be a significant contribution towards the development of the University.

Please find below the details of the members and secretary to the committee.