The President of the Institute of Chartered Ac­countants, Ghana (ICAG), Mr Augustine Addo, has called on professional accountants to embrace the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) while remaining steadfast in upholding ethical values."AI empowers us to analyse data with greater accuracy, detect fraud more efficiently, and provide in­sights that can transform business­es and public institutions," he said.However, he stressed that as professionals embrace these ad­vancements, they must ensure that ethical standards remain unshaken.He made the call on Friday during a special Jumu'ah prayer and symposium held at the National Mosque, Kanda, as part of ICAG's 2025 Accountants' Week celebra­tion.In his address to a gathering of Muslim professionals, dignitaries, and members of the accounting fraternity, Mr Addo expressed his deep gratitude for the unity and reflection shared at the event.This year's celebration is on the theme, "Leveraging the Transfor­mational Power of AI, The Role of the Professional Accountant."According to Mr Addo, the theme was both timely and forward-looking, encouraging ac­countants to explore new technol­ogies while remaining rooted in the values of integrity, accountability, and service."Technology is a tool, but it is our values rooted in honesty, justice, and stewardship that must guide its use for the greater good," Mr Addo emphasised.On his part, President of the Ghana Association of Muslim Accountants (GAMA), Mr Yusif Geoffrey, has underscored the importance of ethical financial stewardship and accountability in national development.He reiterated the role of accoun­tants in upholding integrity and promoting good governance, not­ing that the values of Islam aligned closely with the core responsibili­ties of the accounting profession."As Muslim accountants, we are not just custodians of financ­es, but also of public trust.

Our faith teaches that every action is accountable before Allah, and this sense of responsibility must inform how we manage resources in both private and public institu­tions," he said.Mr Geoffrey highlighted the contributions of Muslim accoun­tants in ensuring financial disci­pline, promoting transparency, and supporting effective resource allocation across sectors.This he called on professionals to uphold these standards to en­hance national development.He urged mosque leaders to adopt internal controls, involve qualified accountants, and share financial reports regularly to strengthen trust within the Muslim community."Our mosques manage signif­icant funds from zakat, sadaqah, and donations, we must uphold the highest standards of transparency and professionalism to ensure that these funds are used effectively for the benefit of our communities," he stated.On Hajj management, the GAMA President commended re­cent reforms, including the reduc­tion of Hajj fares to GH¢62,000 and the increased quota of 5,000 pilgrims.However, he called for more transparency in communicating fare breakdowns, earlier announce­ments of deadlines, and the involvement of professional bodies in the financial planning process."GAMA is ready to support the Hajj Board and other stakeholders in delivering a more efficient and accountable Hajj experience for all Ghanaian pilgrims," he added.Quoting from the Holy Quran, he stated "Give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight.

That is good and better in the end" (Qu­ran 17:35), stressing that ethical financial governance was not only a professional obligation but a moral one.As part of the celebration a cash presentation was made to the National Chief Imam and while another was made towards the de­velopment of the Ghana National Mosque. BY CECILIA YADA LAGBA