Accountability body releases report to Sheikh Mohammed

The body set up to hold government departments to account and ensure public money is managed wisely released its annual report yesterday.

ABU DHABI // The corporate body set up to hold government departments to account and ensure public money is managed wisely released its annual report yesterday to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority's (ADAA) report, which has not yet been published, also laid out its plan for 2010.

"ADAA considers 2009 a testament ... as it provides concrete and accurate information about its performance," said Amal Hussein Mourad, the authority's communication manager, in a statement. The authority, which was established in 2008, ensures public money and funds are managed efficiently and effectively, checks that public entities are filing accurate financial reports and complying with rules and regulations. It also promotes accountability and transparency in government.

The 2010 evaluation contains over 165 sections, including one on fraud risk assessment. Some of the authority's accomplishments in 2009 included the country's first-ever inspection of all statutory auditor reports, which serves to enhance the credibility of financial statements. Also last year, the ADAA became the first organisation in the Middle East to become a member of the International Forum for Independent Audit Regulators, a non-profit organisation for the independent regulation of the audit profession.