The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Ghana has unveiled major global initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability, improving audit quality, and enhancing governance standards across public and private institutions.
Speaking at the 2025 Governance Forum in Accra, President Ebenezer Kwadwo Omari-Mireku said aligning Ghana’s internal audit systems with internationally recognised standards and professional certifications is crucial as the country undertakes significant governance and economic reforms.
Mr. Omari-Mireku noted that global demands for transparency and fiscal discipline continue to rise, making it imperative for Ghana’s internal audit functions to adopt modern tools, global benchmarks and highly trained professionals. According to him, robust audit systems are essential to ensuring integrity, accountability and credibility in institutional operations.
He highlighted the newly developed Global Internal Audit Standards as a major step toward strengthening governance practices, especially within the public sector. Their adoption, he said, reflects Ghana’s commitment to international expectations on transparency and financial oversight.
“The development and adoption of the Global Internal Audit Standards ensure that audit reports are accurate, risks are properly managed, internal controls are effective, and public funds are used responsibly. Ghana’s adoption of these standards shows strong alignment with global practices and demonstrates that our governance and fiscal oversight meet international benchmarks,” he stated.
Mr. Omari-Mireku also emphasised that improving governance requires strengthening the professionals behind the systems. He pointed to the revised Quality Assessment and Improvement Programme (QAIP) and the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification as critical tools for upgrading the country’s governance workforce.
He explained that the QAIP helps institutions identify weaknesses and enhance performance, while the CIA certification equips auditors with world-class expertise in internal control, risk management and compliance. Expanding the number of certified auditors, he said, is key to restoring public confidence and improving organisational resilience.
“The revised QAIP tool helps internal audit functions identify gaps, target improvements and build capacity, making internal audit more agile and credible. The Certified Internal Auditor qualification strengthens professionals with advanced skills in governance and risk management. Increasing the number of certified auditors demonstrates the robustness of Ghana’s internal control systems and enhances public trust,” he said.
Mr. Omari-Mireku reaffirmed IIA Ghana’s commitment to supporting institutions as they modernise their governance frameworks. Strong internal audit systems, he stressed, are essential to sustainable national development, and Ghana’s alignment with global standards is a decisive step toward building a more transparent, accountable and resilient governance environment.
By Bawa Musah
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