ABSTRACT

Internal audit plays an important role in the smooth running of tertiary institutions. The study sought to assess internal audit practices in Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions with specific attention to Sunyani Technical University.  Adopting the convenient sampling technique, a sample size of thirty (30) respondents comprising the internal auditors, accountants and the procurement committee of Sunyani Technical University was chosen; quantitative methods were employed using a questionnaire guide as the main instrument for the collection of data.  In analyzing data, descriptive statistics including frequency and percentages were used in describing the risk management practices of internal audit and control processes in Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions.  Findings from the study revealed that the majority of respondents agreed that the internal audit department identifies risk by analyzing its nature, type, and reasons.  Again, the majority of respondents believed that the independence of Internal Auditors in Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions is compromised with interference from other staff members.  Also, the challenges encountered by internal audit include incompetence of the internal auditors, inadequate staff, and lack of the necessary logistics which sometimes reduce their productivity.  The study recommends that management should recruit more audit staff in order to improve upon the internal audit practices in the university.