The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, and IFAC® hosted two days of roundtables in Accra, Ghana, May 21-22, focused on adoption and implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards™ (IPSAS™).
Day One provided senior government officials in Ghana with the opportunity to discuss the status of adoption and implementation in Ghana, share experiences, identify challenges to be addressed, and agree on next steps for full adoption and implementation in 2016. Both the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of Ghana attended day one of the roundtables.
Day Two targeted those government officials with budget and/or accounts responsibility in Ghana—those who are responsible for implementation of IPSAS—to provide an opportunity to review the implementation plan and discuss practical, technical challenges, actions, and next steps.
Both days of roundtables featured global and regional leaders and experts in IPSAS adoption and implementation working with Ghanaian leaders and technical staff to build a smooth transition to IPSAS. IPSAS will provide Ghana with transparent financial information that captures the entire picture of funding commitments, encourages wise spending, and helps strengthen the economy. Both the accountancy profession and ICAG are committed to supporting Ghana during the transition.
Day One agenda: Adoption and Implementation of IPSAS in Ghana—Taking Stock and Next Steps
- Ian Carruthers, CIPFA - Public Financial Management (PFM)—A Whole System Approach
- Grace Francisca Adzroe, Controller & Accountant General, Ghana - An Overview of Progress to Date
- Erna Swart, Accounting Standards Board, South Africa - The South African Experience
- Sophie Moturi, Public Sector Standards Board, Kenya - IPSAS Adoption and Implementation in Kenya
- Williard Yohana Kalulu, Accountant General Office, Tanzania - Transition to the Accrual Basis of Accounting: Guidance for Public Sector Entities, Tanzania Case
- Shelmadene Petzer, Auditor General's Office, South Africa - Implementation Process and Obstacles
- Pius Maneno, National Board of Accountants and Auditors, Tanzania - Adoption and Implementation of IPSAS in Ghana
- Open Discussion questions
- Ian Carruthers, CIPFA - Making the Case for Accrual-based IPSASs
- Erna Swart, Accounting Standards Board, South Africa - First Time Adoption of Accrual Basis IPSAS
- Mac-Effort K. Adadey, Controller & Accountant General’s Department, Ghana - Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System and IPSASs Implementation
- Polani Sokombela, Auditor General's Office, South Africa - Practical Implementation Experience in South Africa
- Mary Wanyoni, Public Sector Accounting Standards Board, Kenya - Practical Implementation Experience in Keyna
- Williard Yohana Kalulu, Accountant General, Ministry of Finance, Tanzania - Practical Implementation Experience in Tanzania
- Alta Prinsloo, IFAC - Public Sector Financial Management—Expectations Redefined