The Audit Report Implementation Committee (ARIC) a statutory and high level independent corporate governance committee in the Public Sector Financial Management System has been recently formed at a ceremony at the Adabor Conference Room of the Institute of Education, North Campus.

The ARIC will among other things, promote the effective functioning of Internal Audit Units and follow-up on the implementation of audit recommendations to ensure efficient and effective utilization of public resources in line with the objective of the Public Finances Management Reform Programmes (PUFMARP).

It is noteworthy that section 30 (1) of the Audit Service - Act, 2000 (Act 584) requires all Institutions subject to auditing by the Auditor-General including Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA's) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to set up ARIC to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of audit reports.

Section 16 (8) of the Internal Audit Agency Act 2003 (Act 658) also reiterates the need for all MDA's and MMDA's to comply with Section 30 (1) of Act 584 and establish ARIC's. The framework for professional practice of Internal Auditing issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors also requires organizations to have effective Audit Committees.

Access to Information

An ARIC shall have unrestricted access to all information, documents, personnel and adequate resources in order to fulfill its responsibilities.

Composition of ARIC

• The Governing Board or Council of that institution, department, body or organization where such Council or Board exists by law or

• A Ministerial Committee for Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Central Government or
• A Special Committee of the District Assembly.

The full complement of the membership shall be published in due course.