To achieve the foregoing, ABWA will strive to
I. Build a strong and highly motivated professional workforce in its secretariat;
II. Encourage and support member-PAOs and through them, the professionally trained accountants, to imbibe and manifestly exhibit the values of:
a. Competence/Expertise by adopting the life-long learning concept of continuous professional development (CPD) after licensing/ certification as required by IFAC SMOs;
b. Integrity: professional accountants must consistently act objectively and in the public interest at all times;
c. Transparency: professional accountants must be straight forward and open in their dealings with clients, employers and the public at large; and
d. Demonstrate exemplary Ethical Conduct as set out from time to time by IFAC IESBA (International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants).
ABWA will reinforce the professional accountants’ pursuit of and adherence to these core values which will be enshrined in the ABWA code of ethics to be agreed by all its member-PAOs. Although, ABWA has adopted IFAC’s code of ethics, but this can be adapted to fit the local environment without compromising its requirements.
ABWA is conscious of the fact that its membership is made up of professional accountancy organisations recognised by law as national organisations/ accounting bodies that regulate and administer the profession of accountancy in their respective countries. Thus it shall encourage its member-PAOs to enforce discipline, adherence to best practices and high ethical standards from all professional accountants in both the public and private sectors, in the public interest. It will also partner with ECOWAS Commission, individual national governments and all bodies set up statutorily to regulate and govern accounting and financial reporting issues globally. It will partner with other stakeholders to promote, foster and sustain economic development in the West African region.
