GES Accountants Urged to Improve Handling of Audit Queries

Educational accountants within the Ghana Education Service (GES) have been urged to strengthen their knowledge of audit processes and improve how they respond to audit queries as part of efforts to promote accountability and effective financial management in educational institutions.

The call was made during a three-day regional conference and refresher workshop organised for educational accountants in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region.

Speaking at the conference, Regional Accountant and Patron of the Educational Accountants Association of Ghana, Jomo Atariboro, stressed the need for accountants to understand and work within the established systems and structures of the GES.

He cautioned against excessive interference with institutional systems, warning that weakening established structures could have negative consequences for both the Service and its employees.

Mr Atariboro therefore encouraged educational accountants to properly utilise the systems designed to guide their work and promote effective management and accountability.

An accountant at OLL Girls Senior High School in Navrongo, Akantuesiba Evelyn, said the refresher workshop had enhanced participants’ understanding of how to deal with auditors and respond appropriately to audit queries.

She described the programme as impactful, noting that it also equipped participants with knowledge to address financial and administrative challenges within their respective institutions.

Madam Evelyn, however, appealed for a review of allowances for educational accountants and increased financial support for refresher training programmes, citing the rising cost of transportation, accommodation and feeding.

Upper East Regional Education Director, Abdul Razak Korah, commended the organisers for providing accountants with an opportunity to improve their professional knowledge and skills.

He described the training as timely and encouraged educational accountants to strengthen collaboration with school heads and management in addressing institutional challenges.

The conference formed part of efforts to enhance the professional capacity of educational accountants and strengthen financial accountability within the Ghana Education Service.