The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has inaugurated a five-member Audit Committee to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial discipline within the Authority.

The committee, chaired by Mr Eric Osei-Afriyie of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), includes Nii Amasah Djanie, also from the IAA; Mr Daniel Nyame, and Dr Allen Kwadwo Asante Yeboah, both members of the TCDA Board; and Mrs Elizabeth Ohene Bampoe, representing 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.

Mr Thompson-Aryee urged the members to uphold high standards of integrity and diligence in the performance of their duties.

He reminded the committee of its statutory responsibilities under Sections 86 to 88 of the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, 2016 (Act 921), emphasising that audit committees play a critical role in addressing public sector financial malfeasance.

“As Ghanaians, we are all not happy with the level of financial irregularities within the public sector,” he said.

“Audit committees must sit up and ensure the implementation of audit recommendations as directed by the President and the Ministry of Finance” Mr Thompson-Aryee added.

He also urged members of the committee to comply strictly with procurement and financial management reforms, including the new requirement for commitment authorisation from the Ministry of Finance for contracts exceeding approved thresholds.

Dr Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, said the inauguration of the committee was a “significant milestone” in the Authority’s pursuit of transparency, accountability, and sound financial governance.

He said the committee would serve as an independent oversight body to strengthen financial integrity, promote value-for-money operations, and ensure compliance with the PFM Act.

“Financial stewardship is not just an administrative requirement but a strategic necessity for national development,” he said, noting that TCDA manages substantial public and donor funds that must be used efficiently to achieve its development goals.

For his part, Mr Osei-Afriyie, Chairman of the newly inaugurated committee, pledged the committee’s commitment to supporting the Authority to strengthen its financial and governance systems.

“Our aim is to add value, ensure effective governance, and make sure that the internal audit function performs to expectation,” he said.

The Tree Crops Development Authority, established under Act 1010 of 2019, regulates, promotes, and develops six key tree crops—cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea—to diversify Ghana’s agricultural export base beyond cocoa.