When aspiring chattered accountants throughout the country sat for the November 2021 ICAG exams, among them was an Internal Audit staff of the University for Development Studies, Raymond Adongo Aduko. When the final bell was tolled and results were announced, it emerged, that the young UDS staff was not just a participant. He was the best among the rest in the Public Sector Accounting and Finance exams.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG) is a professional body that trains and produces technical and professional accountants in Ghana. Among others, ICAG hopes to contribute to the training of high quality technical and professional accountants in Ghana.

Raymond Adongo Aduko of the Internal Audit Department of the University for Development Studies, was awarded at the ICAG’s 38th Graduation and Admission Ceremony held at University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Saturday, April 23, 2022.

After doing his national service at a basic school in Bolgatanga, Mr. Aduko joined the University for Development Studies in January 2012 as Senior Auditing Assistant and has risen to become a Chief Auditing Assistant. He registered for Public Sector Accounting and Finance which is a level 2 course, Advance Auditing and Assurance and Advanced Taxation, both of which are level 3 courses. 

Mr. Aduko says he was motivated to pursue the course because he has a passion for accounting and aspires to get to the top in his chosen career, and to be able to contribute his quota to UDS and the country at large.

Asked how he was able to combine studies with the tediousness of his responsibilities at work, he said, he had to deny himself of sleep, pleasure and luxuries. He added that even though he enjoys hanging out with friends during weekends, he went several weeks without such fun.

Mr. Aduko says he was inspired by other senior colleagues who had already chattered, specifically, Dr. Mohammed Hardi Shaibu, the Director of Finance at UDS, Mr. John Azure, Director of internal Audit, UDS and Madam Safia Wemah, Head of final accounts, UDS, and Mr. Abdulai Abubakari, Head of Internal Audit at the Central Administration.

He says “before adding value to the system, one should have value”