- Urges them to champion integrity, transparency
BY COBHAM NSA – The Accountant-General of the Federation and Chairman, Association of Accountant-Generals of Africa (AAAG), Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, has challenged accountants across Africa to jealousy guard their critical role as strategic partners in shaping the economic future of institutions and nations.
He said with the role of modern accountants going far beyond keeping financial records, they must demonstrate character as excellent advisors, champions of transparency, and custodians of integrity.
Delivering a keynote address at the Africa Accountant-Generals Conference held at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana, Ogunjimi said by showing positive qualities through actions and behavior, “Accountants are leaders”, adding: “Our work is not simply to balance books; it is to balance the needs of today with the dreams of tomorrow.”
A statement issued by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), quoted the AGF as explaining that the traditional view of accountants as mere bookkeepers no longer aligns with current realities, particularly in a world increasingly driven by digital innovation, data-based decision-making, and financial transformation.
According to Dr. Ogunjimi, every Cedi, Franc, Naira, or Dollar entrusted to public officers must ultimately translate into the prosperity of the people, noting that decisions made by accountants directly affect millions of lives across the African continent.
He said given the vital roles played by accountants in strategic planning, risk management, financial forecasting, and navigating complex regulatory standards, they must remain at the forefront of strategic financial leadership by leveraging data to navigate economic volatility, uncover growth opportunities, and strengthen accountability in governance.
The AGF tasked accountants across Africa to see themselves beyond mere administrative officers, but as catalysts for economic growth and national transformation.
In his remarks at the event, renowned African entrepreneur and economist, Mr. Tony Elumelu, urged African accountants to remain vanguards of transformation, especially in advancing digitalization and strengthening accountability across public financial systems.
Stressing the importance of deeper public–private sector collaboration to drive sustainable economic transformation on the continent, Elumelu noted that Africa’s greatest obstacle is not the lack of resources but a deficit of trust, integrity, and credibility.
“Trust is built through predictability, transparency, and partnership. Trust is the currency of capital. Excellence in public finance is not a luxury—it is a necessity”, he said.
While appreciating the Dr Ogunjimi for inviting him to the important gathering, Elumelu said his participation is not only as an entrepreneur but also a strong believer in Africa’s immense potential.
The conference, with the theme, “Africa Of Tomorrow: Positioning PFM For Economic Prosperity”, was attended by leading accounting professionals and government officials across the continent.
It presented a platform to examine the expanding role of accountants in a rapidly changing economic environment.
