Report ‘misbehaving’ chartered accountants

The President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA), Prof. Kwame Bosiako Omane-Antwi, has urged organisations to report chartered accountants found to be indulging in any dishonorable dealings, so the Institute can take disciplinary actions against such offenders.

He said all ICA-certified accountants are taken through a series of rigorous training programmes and processes, and are also bound by the code and ethics of the accounting profession.

He debunked suggestions that the accounting fraternity in the country is fraught with wrongdoings, particularly in view of the yearly revelations of ‘rot’ in the finance and accounting departments of most public sector organisations at each Public Accounts Committee sitting.

He said there may be problems in various organisations related to accounting, but demanded to know if any of those said to be involved in the exposed cases of financial malfeasance have been reported as being a chartered accountant.

It was against this backdrop that he repeated the call on any organisation finding an ICA-certified accountant involved in any unacceptable practice to bring it to the Institute’s notice for the necessary sanctions to be applied to that person.

Prof. Omane-Antwi made these remarks in a chat with B&FT during a courtesy call on the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace, and also advised Ghanaians -- particularly ICA members -- to always work with integrity.

He also appealed for government to ensure that the little finances are put to equitable use. He observed that the lapses which may arise in the course of governance system’s process should be brought to book, and more effort be put into eliminating corruption.

He advised that certified chartered accountants should be used within the governance structure: from the Local Assemblies; Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies; up to the top of government administration.

He stated that organisation that do not employ chartered accountants are at risk and can only resort to the Police for help in times of challenges -- unlike ICA-certified accountants who are properly regulated and bound by a code of ethics.

The visit to the Manhyia Palace was to brief Otumfuo Osei Tutu II about the number of activities and programmes being undertaken by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in the country.

For instance, the ICA is said to have initiated a number of programmes to help build up the Accountant-General’s Department, and signed an MoU with the Audit Service and other institutions and public organisations, including an impending one with The Ghana Police Service among others.

It was also disclosed that discussions are ongoing to establish an ‘Accountancy Chair’ at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST, to help both lecturers and students to charter.

The delegation, led by the ICA President also discussed their preparedness to offer their services during the upcoming general elections in the country, in November 2016, among others.

The Asantehene advised the ICA to make its impact felt in the country’s governance by making a stronger input in the national budget, and ensuring proper finances in the government and the country.