Internal auditors urged to prioritise health

…as IIA marks internal audit month with health walk

By Kingsley Webora TANKEH

The immediate past President of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Ghana, Joseph Dakora Zumasigee, has cautioned internal auditors not prioritise professional goals over their health and wellbeing.

Speaking after a health walk organised by IIA, through ministries, to mark Internal Audit Awareness Month, Mr. Zumasigee hammered that the pursuit of professional value must not come at the cost of their lives. “The work is such that if you’re not careful, you concentrate on delivering value at the expense of your life,” Mr. Zumasigee said, stressing that physical well-being is both a duty of care and a strategic imperative, considering the sedentary nature of their work.

The walk, which also forms part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the institute, was held simultaneously in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. As co-chair of the 25th Anniversary Organising Committee, Mr. Zumasigee stressed that the awareness month is not merely ceremonial. “We’re encouraging internal auditors to take physical activities seriously. If Ghanaians see what we are doing, they can take a cue from it and begin to work out,” he said.

The walk, he added, was deliberate to show that the champions of governance cannot safeguard institutions if they neglect their own health. Beyond health, Mr. Zumasigee stressed that the internal audit function should move from being corporate “policemen” to become trusted strategic advisors. “Internal auditing has moved from just a tick-box, a policeman role, to now being a reliable advisor that would work with management. As management is charting the course, internal auditors should contribute to how the strategy can be achieved,” he explained.

He noted that the institute has evolved over 25 years of deliberate capacity building. He said, IIA Ghana, a founding member of the African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors, has organised governance forums that trained audit committee members, chief executives, and senior management over the years. “We dip in governance in organisations and ensure that we also contribute in our little way to managing the little resources that we have in Ghana,” Mr. Zumasigee stated.

Mr. Zumasigee linked internal auditors role to environmental protection and empasised the mentoring of the youth to become good citizens. “The internal audit profession should be seen as one that is very concerned about creating value—solving problems for humanity,” he said. He therefore urged parents to consider internal auditing as a career path for their children, expressing the institute’s commitment to mentorship that would shape their careers.

The Vice President of IIA Ghana, Samuel Petterson Larbi, emphasised the anniversary theme: “Our Legacy, Impact and Future,” at the health walk, saying “today’s walk is not just about health, it symbolises endurance, progress, and our continued commitment to strengthening institutions in Ghana,” Mr. Larbi told the members.

He described internal audit as “a pillar of accountability” that touches every sector and benefits every Ghanaian. “Internal audit is not just a function; it is a pillar of accountability. As we celebrate 25 years, we reaffirm our commitment to serving Ghana with integrity and excellence,” he stated. The institute plans to organise several events through the year, culminating in a ‘gala night’ in October.

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