The Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) has inaugurated a new five-member Audit Committee to enhance financial oversight and strengthen internal control systems in line with the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, 2016 (Act 921).
The move is expected to improve compliance with financial regulations and bolster transparency and accountability within the institution.
The newly constituted committee is chaired by Hon. Gladys Gillian Naadu Tetteh, a respected governance and public financial management expert.
The committee’s mandate includes overseeing the implementation of internal and external audit recommendations, monitoring financial reporting processes, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies, and advising management on risk mitigation.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Adam Mutawakilu, Managing Director of Ghana Water Ltd, underscored the critical role of the committee in promoting financial discipline and operational efficiency.
He emphasized that the formation of the committee reflects the company’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial governance.
“This initiative aligns with the broader national agenda of promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions, as championed by President John Mahama,” Mr. Mutawakilu said.
"The President’s renewed focus on ethical leadership and responsible stewardship of public resources underscores the need for all institutions to strengthen their internal controls and financial oversight.”
Mr. Mutawakilu noted that the committee would work closely with management and internal auditors to reinforce the company’s risk management framework and ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations.
He highlighted that the committee's advisory role would be instrumental in identifying early warning signals and addressing potential financial irregularities..
“Our goal is to ensure that Ghana Water Ltd operates with integrity and transparency in delivering potable water to Ghanaians,” he stated.
"This committee will help us maintain operational efficiency and build public trust through sound financial governance.”
Dr. Eric Oduro Osae, Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), who administered the official induction, charged the committee to take a proactive approach in supporting management.
He reminded members of their responsibility to submit an annual status of implementation report to the President, Parliament, the Auditor-General, and the Internal Audit Agency.
“You are not whistleblowers but support structures to guide management and prevent issues before they arise,” Dr. Osae said.
“Your performance will be assessed based on the quality of your reports and the strength of the systems you help establish.”
Dr. Osae also urged the committee to align its work with new policy directives for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), including the revision of 2025 risk-based audit work plans by April 30, 2025.
He encouraged the committee to engage actively with external auditors to identify and address gaps before final audit reports are issued.
In her inaugural remarks, Madam Gladys Gillian Naadu Tetteh, the committee chairperson, pledged the committee’s commitment to supporting management and enhancing financial oversight.
She acknowledged the achievements of the outgoing committee, led by Mr. Charles Adiyiah Kusi, and promised to build on that foundation.
“I have not heard of significant financial malfeasance at Ghana Water Ltd compared to other public institutions. This is a credit to the outgoing committee and management,” Madam Tetteh stated.
"We will work to sustain and enhance this legacy.”
She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the committee, management, and internal auditors to safeguard the financial health of Ghana Water Ltd and ensure the prudent use of public resources.
The inauguration of the new Audit Committee marks a strategic step toward reinforcing Ghana Water Ltd’s financial governance and operational integrity.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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