By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), May 19, GNA – Speakers at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Annual Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), have emphasised the urgent need for stronger standards, integrity, and accountability to build resilient and sustainable economies in Ghana and across Africa.
The conference, which is being attended by about 2,500 participants, including accountants, policymakers, academics, regulators, international partners, and business leaders in Ho, is on the theme: “Building Strong and Sustainable Economies: Standards, Integrity and Accountability.”
Dr John Kwabena Kwakye, Advisor to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and Guest of Honour, said sustainable economic growth could not be achieved without ethical leadership, transparency, and sound financial systems.
He noted that although economic strength was often measured through infrastructure, GDP growth, and market capitalisation, the true foundation of every resilient economy was trust, accountability, and integrity.
“Strong economies are not built on numbers alone; they are built on the trust those numbers represent,” he stated.
Dr Kwakye said accountants remained central to safeguarding financial integrity and ensuring that public and private resources were properly managed to support national development.
He explained that a sustainable economy must balance economic prosperity, environmental protection, and social equity, while ensuring that present development did not compromise the needs of future generations.
He said international financial reporting standards, sustainability reporting frameworks, and ethical accountability systems had become critical tools for attracting investment, reducing corruption, and promoting fiscal discipline.
Dr Kwakye urged accountants to move beyond traditional bookkeeping roles and become active guardians of transparency, anti-corruption, and economic resilience.
He highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics in transforming the accounting profession, noting that professionals who failed to adapt risked becoming irrelevant.
“AI will not replace accountants, but accountants who use AI will replace those who do not,” he stated.
Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, described the theme of the conference as timely and relevant in addressing Ghana’s current economic and governance challenges.
He said standards, integrity, and accountability were interconnected principles needed to restore confidence in public institutions and strengthen the country’s economic recovery efforts.
Mr Iddrisu noted that Ghana had made significant progress in reducing inflation and stabilising the economy following recent economic difficulties, adding that sustained fiscal discipline and responsible financial management remained critical.
“We must build an economy that can sustain stability through our own internal discipline and accountability systems,” he said.
Mr Augustine Addo, President of ICAG, said ethical leadership had become essential in addressing the social, economic, and environmental challenges confronting Ghana and the world.
He stated that the accounting profession remained a key pillar in promoting transparency, responsible governance, and sustainable national development.
Mr Addo said the conference would provide a platform for professionals to discuss emerging issues such as sustainability reporting, anti-corruption, digital transformation, climate accountability, and corporate governance.
“We have a responsibility not only to our profession but also to our communities and future generations,” he said.
Mr Addo noted that accountants and business leaders had the capacity to drive positive change by supporting efficient financial management, combating corruption, and promoting ethical leadership.
Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, commended ICAG for bringing the national conference to the Volta region and acknowledged the critical role accountants played in promoting transparency and public trust.
He said the profession remained indispensable in supporting prudent resource management, effective planning, and sound governance systems.
“The role of accountants in nation-building cannot be underestimated. They are custodians of accountability and public confidence,” he stated.
Mr Gunu used the occasion to promote the region as a destination for investment, tourism, and industrial growth, noting that accountable institutions and strong financial systems were essential for sustainable development.
He encouraged participants to enjoy the culture and hospitality of Ho while supporting efforts to maintain the city’s reputation as Ghana’s “Oxygen City.”
The conference is expected to feature technical sessions, policy discussions, networking engagements, and professional development activities aimed at strengthening governance, sustainability, and financial accountability in Ghana and beyond.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah