At the dinner, the seven 2007-2008 International Program Fellows described the strategic papers they had worked on during their time in Ottawa. The first five, who completed their audit placements at Office of the Auditor General of Canada, were introduced by Antonine Campbell, Principal, International Relations.

Henry Missah, from the Ghana Audit Service, did his paper on gathering and documenting sufficient and appropriate audit evidence. He said it is important that the Ghana Audit Service ensure it has adequate evidence for conclusions going to Parliament.

His colleague, Yaw Sifah, also from the Ghana Audit Service, prepared his paper on a risk-based approach to selecting potential audits. He noted that the Ghana Audit Service has a wide area of responsibility and limited resources, and that the audit selection process is therefore important.

The Audit Office of Guyana's Audrey Badley wrote about developing guidance for selecting the right areas for audits. Her office is responsible for auditing all areas of government, and is now conducting its first performance audit. She will propose a consistent approach in selecting audits, identifying major risks facing an entity and using that as basis for the audit plan.

Benson Kariuki works in the Kenya National Audit Office. His strategic paper was on implementing a quality management framework for performance audits. Benson hopes that he can assist his office to set standards, establish procedures, and ensure all audits have followed the standards and procedures.

Averil James, from the Office of the Director of Audit of Saint Lucia, focused on integrating and reporting on environmental issues in performance audits. She intends to raise awareness in her office, and then train others using an environmental auditing course developed by INTOSAI. The course will be customized so it can be delivered throughout the Caribbean.

Two Fellows undertook their placements at the Vérificateur général du Québec. They were introduced by Québec's Assistant Auditor General Michel Samson.

Alain Kpessoton, from the Chambre des Comptes de la Cour Suprême du Bénin, prepared his paper on strategic planning and the planning of audit interventions. He explained that this theme stems from the Chambre des Comptes's need to concentrate on the most relevant audit mandates. The strategic planning process proposed is based on AG-Québec's model for audit selection.

Aly Diallo works in the recently created Office of the Auditor General of Mali. His strategic paper focussed on developing methodology to ensure proper follow-up work is done with regards to recommendations made during VFM audits. This methodology is based on the methods he saw used at the office of the AG of Quebec.

After the Fellows presented overviews of their papers, Sheila Fraser congratulated them all, saying, “We have a very, very strong group this year, and we expect great things from them.”

CCAF Executive Director Michael Eastman, in his remarks to the group, looked back on “a wonderful, invigorating and challenging year.” He noted in particular the significant expansion to the Program that was made possible because of increased funding from the Canadian International Development Agency.

The dinner was emceed by Nick Hare, the chair of CCAF's International Committee, and was attended by officials from CIDA and from the diplomatic missions of the Fellows' countries, and by friends of the Fellows. The Fellows have since returned to their home countries.

We wish them well as they undertake many new endeavours.