"Auditors require stronger protection to safeguard accountability" - Dr. David Ofosu-Dorte

Dr. David Ofosu-Dorte, Senior Partner of AB & David Africa, has called for renewed attention to the safety and protection of auditors as they carry out their statutory responsibilities in scrutinising public accounts and financial transactions.

He said the effectiveness of the audit function could be undermined if auditors were exposed to threats, intimidation or other forms of interference while performing their duties.

Dr. Ofosu-Dorte made the remarks at the 2026 Financial Year Audit Launch, held on the theme “Strengthening Accountability Oversight in Public Institutions: Building Trust through Collaboration and Action.”

He said the issue of protecting auditors deserved serious consideration, particularly because their work could sometimes involve uncovering financial irregularities and scrutinising decisions taken by powerful individuals and institutions.

Dr. Ofosu-Dorte, however, cautioned against treating the issue solely as a matter of providing police escorts for auditors.

“I definitely do not recommend that auditors be made to have police people following them. But I think it is something to be thought about as to how [their safety can be protected].”

He said stakeholders should explore appropriate institutional mechanisms that would allow auditors to perform their duties safely, independently and without fear.

According to him, protecting auditors should form part of the broader effort to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Audit Service.

He noted that auditors' scrutiny of public accounts was ultimately undertaken in the interest of the country and contributed to safeguarding public resources.

Dr. Ofosu-Dorte therefore urged stakeholders to consider measures that would enhance the working environment and operational capacity of auditors.

He expressed the hope that the concerns raised during the engagement would be carefully considered and that recommendations capable of improving the audit function would be adopted.

He said a stronger and more secure audit environment would contribute to more effective oversight, accountability and protection of Ghana's public purse.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith