Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of GACL
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has launched its Internal Audit Awareness Week in line with the global observance of International Internal Audit Awareness Month, held every May.
Themed “Resilient Organisations: The Role of Internal Auditors,” the initiative aims to spotlight the critical role of internal auditors in strengthening corporate governance, performance, and risk management.
At the launch event, Managing Director of GACL, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, commended the Internal Audit Department for taking the initiative to raise awareness of the profession’s value.
“The Internal Audit team continues to make a significant impact within GACL by enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness,” she said.
“This observance presents a timely opportunity to collaborate more proactively with stakeholders to identify and manage emerging risks.”
Chairman of the Audit Committee, Nana Gyamfi, also addressed the gathering, stressing the need to change public perception of the audit function.
“It’s important to demystify the role of Internal Audit. It’s not about witch-hunting, it’s a vital function that drives organisational growth and enhances performance,” he emphasised.
He praised the department for consistently producing credible reports that guide informed decision-making, and urged GACL management to continue investing in capacity-building.
“Management must provide continuous training and the technological tools necessary to ensure the department maintains its effectiveness,” he added.
Kwaku Owusu Odame, Director of Internal Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management, opened the ceremony with a call for innovation and adaptation.
Quoting management expert Peter Drucker, he said, “Innovate or die.”
He continued, “Internal Audit must evolve with the times to support management in achieving corporate objectives and delivering measurable value.”
Odame acknowledged the persistent gap between stakeholder expectations and the actual mandate of Internal Audit, describing it as a challenge the month-long programme aims to address.
“This awareness campaign offers a valuable opportunity to correct misconceptions and deepen the business community’s understanding of the role Internal Audit plays in ensuring organizational resilience,” he noted.
GACL was recently named the Best State-Owned Enterprise for Enterprise Risk Management Compliance for 2023, an achievement attributed in part to the strength and credibility of its Internal Audit function.
The Internal Audit Awareness Week will feature a series of activities designed to educate staff, stakeholders, and the public on the department’s role in enhancing transparency, accountability, and organisational success.
