The Ashanti Regional chapter of the Association of Educational Accountants (AEA) Ghana recently held a capacity-building workshop aimed at improving financial management in the education sector. The workshop, themed "Equipping Educational Accountants on IPSAS, Procurement, Tax and Audit for Sustainable Educational Development," brought together accountants and finance officers from Senior High Schools and other educational institutions across the region. The event sought to address mounting challenges in the profession and promote accountability and transparency in the management of school funds.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Education, Dr William Kwame Amankra Appiah, emphasized the importance of a cordial and professional working relationship between accountants and heads of Senior High Schools. He urged both parties to work together in the interest of educational development in the region, stressing that mutual respect, teamwork, and open communication are critical for transparency and smooth administration of schools. Dr Appiah also advised educational accountants to strictly adhere to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and all public financial laws to ensure accountability and transparency.
Dr Appiah further advised educational accountants to uphold due process in procurement and comply fully with tax regulations to ensure value for money and avoid sanctions. He encouraged them to strengthen their audit readiness by maintaining proper books, keeping accurate documentation, and preparing adequately for internal and external audits. The Regional Director also cautioned accountants to resist undue pressure, remain professional, and allow integrity to guide all their financial decisions.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Association, Mr. Yousef Owusu Akusa, explained that the workshop was designed to equip members with current knowledge in IPSAS, Procurement, Taxation, and Audit. He noted that the training has become necessary due to increasing scrutiny of public financial management, where many accountants of Senior High Schools face audit queries that drag them before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. Mr Akusa stressed that failure to adhere to laid-down procedures can result in severe consequences, including prosecution.
Mr Akusa emphasized that the primary responsibility of an education accountant is to act as an ethical advisor to the head of the institution, ensuring that every financial transaction is lawful, transparent, and in the best interest of the school. He advised members to uphold professionalism, adhere strictly to financial regulations, and resist any pressure to engage in unlawful transactions. Despite their commitment, Mr Akusa lamented that the delay in the release of government funds continues to hamper effective financial planning and execution in schools.
The Association's Chairman appealed to the government, through the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, to ensure timely release of operational funds. He expressed optimism that with continuous training on IPSAS, Procurement, Tax, and Audit, and with support from the Regional Education Directorate, accountants will contribute significantly to accountability and sustainable development of education in the Ashanti Region and Ghana at large.
The workshop aimed to address the increasing number of Senior High School accountants being summoned before the Public Accounts Committee, with some even facing prosecution. By enhancing their knowledge and skills in financial management, the accountants can ensure that schools' funds are managed transparently and accountably, reducing the risk of sanctions and promoting sustainable educational development in the region.
Key points
- The workshop aimed to equip educational accountants with current knowledge in IPSAS, Procurement, Taxation, and Audit to promote accountability and transparency in the management of school funds.
- The Ashanti Regional Director of Education emphasized the importance of a cordial and professional working relationship between accountants and heads of Senior High Schools.
- The delay in the release of government funds continues to hamper effective financial planning and execution in schools, according to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Association.
