Exhibit professional integrity at all times- Dep Minister tells accountants

Published in the Daily Graphic on 19/03/2010, pg 33

Story: Matilda Attram
THE Deputy Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, Mr Seth Tekper, has called on all professional bodies in all fields to exhibit professional integrity to promote public accountability and transparency in the affairs of the country.
The minister stated that there was the need for professional institutions to hold their members accountable to ethical and professional standards as well as collaborate as major stakeholders in public sector reforms
Speaking at the 2010 induction service for members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) Mr Tekper said it was members of the institute who would prepare the corporate and public records that would give confidence to Ghanaians that the resources were being used in a transparent manner.
He told the 258 newly qualified chartered accountants of the institute that the Government would continue to promote and facilitate programmes that would enhance high quality professional education at all levels in the country.
The course which was to equip members with requisite knowledge, skill and abilities of the profession was to train and provide vital information on the acts on which the institute was established, the profession’s code of ethics as well as managerial responsibilities that would constitute the success of the profession.
It is also expected to enable the new members to enhance the amount of efficiency executed in their work to promote accountability and transparency.
With a number of about 2,500 membership and 11 governing council members, it also bears the responsibility of providing accounting standards in both private and public organisations to promote efficiency, accountability and transparency in the delivery of services.
Mr Tekper commended the management and the council of the institute for its pioneering role in the support of human resource development and urged inductees to be honest, discipline and dedicated to their profession to promote the institute’s motto of integrity.
The President of the institute, Mrs Cecilia Nyann indicated that the course was designed to expose members to the structure and discourse on the legal framework of the profession that would keep members mindful of the ethical concerns involved to ensure transparency and accountability.
She said it included an exposition on career guidance and development to equip members with the necessary tools for effective career development and advancement.
“It is essential for a professional accountant to have a firm grasp of the Ghanaian business environment”, she stated.
She encouraged members to make reference to standards adopted by the institute that would help refresh their knowledge acquired to enable them to contribute effectively towards the country’s economic growth.
The Chairman for the occasion, Mr John Klinogo also urged members to be part of all managerial processes of their organisations as well as accept and face challenges in the professional manner.