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CA | MBA | ICAG
John Atua Okraku - Professional portrait in business attire, CA, MBA, ICAG

John Atua Okraku, CA, MBA

Chartered Accountant | Master Educator | Guardian of Financial Integrity

40+ Years Shaping Auditing Excellence Across Africa

A seasoned professional in auditing and assurance with a wealth of knowledge and experience spanning four decades. John's journey across the professional space in West Africa has been marked by meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to ethical standards.

Passionate about mentoring young accountants and ensuring financial integrity and transparency, he has dedicated his career to elevating auditing practices across the African continent.

His unique blend of Big Four experience, academic leadership, and deep understanding of African public sector challenges makes him the authoritative voice on auditing and assurance for the continent.

ACCA Fellow ICAG Member UPSA Lecturer Deloitte Alumni Published Author African Expert

Professional Journey

Four decades of dedication to auditing excellence across Africa

1980
🏢

Career Launch at Deloitte

Began professional career at Deloitte & Haskins & Sells, laying the foundation in international auditing standards and client advisory services.

1981
📜

ACCA Membership

Admitted as a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, achieving a major professional milestone.

1986
🏅

ACCA Fellowship

Awarded ACCA Fellowship status in recognition of significant contribution to the accounting profession.

1990
📚

First Book Published

Published "AUDITING: the facts for the student", establishing himself as an authoritative voice in accounting education.

1992
👨‍🏫

Academic Career Begins

Began lecturing at the Institute of Professional Studies (now UPSA), starting a legacy of mentoring future accountants.

2010
🎓

Executive MBA

Earned Executive MBA in Accounting & Project Management from University of Ghana Business School.

2015
⚖️

ICAG Ethics Committee

Appointed to the ICAG Professional and Ethics Committee, contributing to professional standards and ethics enforcement.

2020
🌍

UPGRADE CONSULTING

Established UPGRADE CONSULTING in Accra to provide specialized auditing and financial advisory services.

2025
📖

Mastering Auditing & Assurance

Published definitive guide blending 40+ years of experience with African context and practical application.

Explore Book

Four Pillars of Expertise

A unique blend of experience that defines my approach to auditing and assurance

🏢

Big 4 Foundation

1980-1990s

International standards mastery, client advisory excellence, and risk management frameworks from Deloitte & Haskins & Sells.

"My Deloitte foundation taught me global best practices and the importance of rigorous audit methodologies."
👨‍🏫

Academic Leadership

1992-Present

Curriculum development, student mentoring, and exam preparation expertise from decades at UPSA and as ICAG examiner.

"Teaching 1000+ students showed me exactly what professionals need to bridge theory and practice."
🌍

African Practice

40+ Years

Deep understanding of public sector auditing, anti-corruption measures, and local compliance challenges across West Africa.

"African auditing isn't just about standards—it's about accountability in unique cultural and economic contexts."
⚖️

Professional Governance

2015-2017

Ethics enforcement, standards development, and professional oversight from ICAG Professional and Ethics Committee service.

"Serving on the Ethics Committee deepened my commitment to integrity as the foundation of our profession."

Credentials & Achievements

Professional qualifications and recognition spanning four decades

  • Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA, 1986)
  • Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG) by reciprocal arrangement
  • Executive MBA in Accounting & Project Management, University of Ghana Business School (2010)
  • Graduate of South West London College, UK
  • Admitted as ACCA Member (1981)
  • Lecturer in Auditing, University of Professional Studies, Accra (1992-1993)
  • Examiner in Auditing for the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana
  • Author of "AUDITING: the facts for the student" (1990, widely acclaimed textbook)
  • Guest lecturer at multiple African universities and professional institutions
  • Mentor to thousands of accounting students and young professionals
  • Member, ICAG Professional and Ethics Committee (2015-2017)
  • Consultant, Ghana State Enterprises Commission (now State Interests and Governance Authority)
  • Advisor, OFID and BADEA sponsored Ministry of Health projects
  • Mentor to young accountants across West Africa
  • Founder and Principal Consultant, UPGRADE CONSULTING, Accra
  • "Mastering Auditing and Assurance: A Student's Essential Guide" (2025)
  • Multiple articles in professional journals and accounting publications
  • Conference presentations on African auditing challenges and solutions
  • Regular contributor to accounting education forums and professional networks
  • Developed practical auditing frameworks adopted by multiple African institutions

Championing Accountability in African Public Institutions

Why I Wrote Chapter 14: Addressing the Public Sector Crisis

"Corruption, collusion, and other malpractices are rife in the public sector, and accountability is constrained. The Public Fund in Africa is now more than ever, the preferred and easiest target by the Private Sector for private use, custody, and benefit."

My work with state enterprises and health projects showed me the urgent need for change. After four decades of observing the unique challenges facing African public institutions, I dedicated Chapter 14 of "Mastering Auditing and Assurance" to providing practical solutions for public sector auditors.

Consulting Projects & Impact

Ghana State Enterprises Commission

Governance restructuring and accountability framework development for state-owned enterprises.

Ministry of Health Projects

Advisory role for OFID and BADEA funded healthcare facility projects across Ghana.

Read Chapter 14 Overview

Mentoring the Next Generation of Ethical Auditors

My personal mission and approach to accounting education

Core Belief: Auditing is About Trust

I believe auditing isn't just about numbers—it's about trust, integrity, and societal accountability. Every audit engagement is an opportunity to strengthen financial systems and build public confidence.

"My greatest achievement isn't my credentials—it's my students' success. Seeing them become ethical, competent professionals who contribute to Africa's development is my true legacy."

Teaching Approach

  • Blend global auditing standards with African realities and case studies
  • Focus on practical application over theoretical memorization
  • Emphasize ethical decision-making in complex situations
  • Prepare students for real-world challenges they'll face in African contexts

Student Success Stories

Over 1000+ students mentored who now hold senior positions in:

Big Firms Government Banks NGOs Corporate

Why I Write & Teach

"After 40 years in the field, I saw a critical gap between international auditing theory and African practice. I write to bridge that gap—to provide African auditors with tools that work in our unique contexts, address our specific challenges, and elevate our profession."

The Auditor's Dual Role

"The auditor's role isn't watchdog OR bloodhound—it's both. We must be vigilant guardians of public trust while actively seeking out truth and transparency."

John Atua Okraku

My legacy hope: "I hope this book empowers a new generation to demand better accountability, implement stronger controls, and build financial integrity across Africa."

This Book Contains 40 Years of African Auditing Wisdom

Every chapter of "Mastering Auditing and Assurance" draws from my real-world experience in African contexts. When you read this book, you're learning from someone who has navigated the unique challenges of auditing across West Africa for four decades.

This is the book that only this experience could produce—a definitive guide grounded in African reality, not just international theory.

Explore the Book