Chartered accountants critical to safeguarding public resources – Dr. Apaak

Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Apaak, has described chartered accountants as key players in safeguarding public resources and promoting accountability.

Dr Apaak made the remarks while presenting the Ministry of Education’s report at the 62nd Annual General Meeting of the Institute of Chartered Accountants – Ghana at Mawuli Senior High School in Ho in the Volta Region.

He said the role of accountants in ensuring prudent financial management and strengthening public confidence in state institutions could not be underestimated.

“In particular, the role of Chartered Accountants in safeguarding the public interest, ensuring prudent management of resources, and supporting economic transformation cannot be overstated,” he stated.

According to him, the accounting profession remained central to promoting transparency, accountability and sound governance in both the public and private sectors.

Dr Apaak noted that the Ministry’s partnership with ICAG had continued to support capacity building, institutional development and improvements in financial governance.

“The Ministry’s collaboration with Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), has remained strong and purposeful,” he said.

“This partnership continues to play a critical role in strengthening financial governance, enhancing professional standards, and promoting accountability and transparency in both the public and private sectors.”

The Deputy Education Minister further urged members of the profession to uphold integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He said accountants must continue to adapt to changing global trends, including technological advancement and digital transformation, in order to remain effective in modern financial management systems.

Dr Apaak also commended ICAG for promoting sustainability reporting standards and aligning Ghana’s accounting practices with international benchmarks.

“The Ministry further applauds the Institute’s decision to adopt and promote the standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that graduates and members of the Institute possessed the knowledge, ethical grounding and technical skills needed to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.

Dr Apaak added that government remained committed to supporting ICAG to strengthen regulatory oversight, innovation and professional excellence within the accountancy sector.