Tema Oil Refinery Limited (TOR), as part of the global observation of International Internal Audit Awareness Month celebrated annually in May, organized a training program featuring a series of internal audit awareness activities spearheaded by its Internal Audit department.
The initiative aimed to highlight the vital role internal auditors play in promoting transparency, accountability and risk management within organizations. The event brought together staff, management, and stakeholders to recognize and celebrate this often-underappreciated function that helps keep organizations on track.
Deputy Managing Director of TOR, Alhaji Mustapha Abubakar, commended the Internal Audit team for leading the initiative of raising awareness. “This is a timely opportunity for us to collaborate more proactively to identify and manage emerging risks,” he said. He further urged the audit team to ensure the timely submission of audit reports to the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA), noting that doing so could enhance the refinery’s chance of being ranked among the top ten performing SOEs.
General Manager Audit Mr. Martin Tetteh Samadji presented an insightful overview of TOR’s Internal Audit processes, outlining key areas most companies overlook. He emphasized that the awareness campaign offers a valuable professional opportunity to clear misconceptions about internal auditing while reinforcing its value to organizational success.
Mr Richard Ntim, former President of the Institute of Internal Auditors, an external resource person noted that internal audit has evolved. He stated that “Apart from assurance role, Internal Auditors provide advisory services to add value to organizations”.
He advised Management to use the advisory services of Internal Auditors to help improve internal controls and risk management in TOR.
Mrs Brenda Mills-Pappoe, Chair of Certification and Professional Development/ Council Member of Institute of Internal Auditors, a resource person, appealed to Management to offer continuous training programs and invest in advanced software and tools to maintain efficiency and effectiveness in the Audit Department, noting that Internal Audit must evolve with modern trends to help in achieving measurable value.
The training program also provided a platform for open dialogue, as management and staff engaged the audit team with questions and sought clarification on internal audit practices.
The month-long celebration features a series of activities designed to educate staff and stakeholders on how internal auditing contributes to organizational stability and long-term success. As internal auditors step further into the spotlight, TOR’s initiative underscores the importance of fostering a culture of accountability, resilience, and strategic foresight in Ghana’s downstream energy sector.
