The Impact of Internal Control Systems on Financial Performance: The Case of Health Institutions in Upper West Region of Ghana

Abstract

The significance of upholding effective internal control system in organizations have been persistently and immensely emphasized, due to its positive effects on financial performance. Efficient internal control enables the prevention and detection of fraudulent activities in the institution. In line with this, persistent efforts by policy makers to pursue policies that would improve internal control system in the ministry of health have yielded abysmal results with regards to financial performance in health institutions in the Upper West Region of Ghana. This study sought to determine the impact of internal control variables on financial performance among five health institutions in the region using an ordered logistic regression model for a sample of fifty (50) respondents. We found a positive relationship between internal controls and financial performance. But only three of the control variables remained significant with p-values less than 5%. It is recommended that the governing body of the institutions, possibly supported by the audit reports implementation committee (ARIC), ensure that the appropriate internal control systems recommended by the auditors in health institutions are monitored periodically.