See members of new Internal Audit Agency board
The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has tasked the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) to review the Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003, and spearhead reforms aimed at reducing waste in the public sector.
He said strengthening the internal audit function was necessary to improve accountability and secure value for money in 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. The Ministry announced the inauguration on June 14, 2026.
Addressing the board, Dr Forson said many of the challenges confronting Ghana's public financial management system stemmed from weaknesses in internal controls and accountability mechanisms.
“We must turn the Internal Audit Agency around and restore it to the purpose for which it was established,” he said.
Audit concerns
Dr Forson expressed concern about recurring irregularities contained in Auditor-General's reports, saying they pointed to weaknesses in accountability systems, including the internal audit function.
He called on the board to introduce measures that would promote accountability and deal firmly with auditors who fail to discharge their responsibilities.
According to him, disciplinary action could include the withdrawal of licences of auditors found to have neglected their duties.
“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 stated.
Auditors' Court
Dr Forson also announced plans to establish an “Auditors' Court” to strengthen oversight of internal auditors and increase accountability within the profession.
He urged the Agency to expand professional training programmes to equip internal auditors with the knowledge and skills required to carry out their duties effectively.
The Finance Minister said the government would continue to support the Agency as part of efforts to improve public financial management and strengthen confidence in the use of public funds.
He said the board's work should ultimately be reflected in future Auditor-General's reports through fewer audit infractions and improved compliance in public institutions.
Board's response
Responding on behalf of the board, its Chairperson, Professor Joshua Yindenaba Abor, described the appointment as a call to service and pledged to support efforts aimed at promoting accountability and prudent use of public resources.
Professor Abor said the board would work to strengthen the Agency and advance its mandate of promoting transparency, compliance and sound financial management in the public sector.
Board members
The members of the board are:
1. Professor Joshua Yindenaba Abor – Chairperson, Financial Economist, Qualified Accountant and Professor of Finance.
2. Mr Benjamin Adjetey Sowah – Director, Budget Division, Ministry of Finance.
3. Mr Divine Yao Ayidzoe – Director, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
4. Dr (Mrs.) Irene Stella Agyenim-Boateng – C-Suite Executive and Human Resource Practitioner.
5. Mr Thomas Ashaley Thompson-Aryee – Director-General, Internal Audit Agency.
6. Mr Daniel Ofosu.
7. Dr Isaac Nyame – Managing Director, Ikern Associates Limited and Ikern Chartered Accountancy.
8. Mr Kwesi Esso Thomas – Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Pension Trustees.
9. Mr Godfred Ashiagbor.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the board has been tasked with developing strategies to reposition the Agency, strengthen its mandate and improve compliance and risk management across the public sector.
