The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has inaugurated a five-member Audit Committee to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial discipline within the organisation.
The committee is chaired by Mr. Eric Osei-Afriyie from the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), with members including Nii Amasah Djanie (IAA), Mr. Daniel Nyame and Dr. Allen Kwadwo Asante Yeboah (both TCDA Board members), and Mrs. Elizabeth Ohene Bampoe from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG).
They were sworn into office by Mr. Thomas Nii Ashaley Thompson-Aryee, Acting Director-General of the IAA, who urged them to uphold integrity and professionalism in executing their duties. He reminded the committee of its legal responsibilities under Sections 86–88 of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, 2016 (Act 921), stressing that audit committees play a key role in addressing financial irregularities in the public sector.
Mr. Thompson-Aryee also called for strict adherence to procurement and financial management reforms, particularly ensuring that contracts exceeding approved thresholds receive proper authorisation from the Ministry of Finance.
Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, described the inauguration as a major milestone in strengthening financial governance within the Authority. He said the committee would provide independent oversight to safeguard financial integrity, promote value-for-money operations, and ensure full compliance with the PFM Act.
“Financial stewardship is not just an administrative requirement but a strategic necessity for national development,” Dr. Okrah stated, noting that TCDA manages significant public and donor funds that must be used efficiently.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Osei-Afriyie, the committee’s chairman, pledged the team’s commitment to supporting TCDA in building robust financial systems and ensuring effective internal audit performance.
Established under Act 1010 of 2019, the Tree Crops Development Authority is mandated to promote and develop six key tree crops — cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea — to diversify Ghana’s agricultural export base beyond cocoa.
Source: GNA
