An Exploration Of Forensic Accounting Education In Ghana

Abstract

The study explores the introduction of forensic accounting in Ghana through a cross sectional survey design, utilizing multi-stage sampling. Data is primarily collected from accounting practitioners, students, and academicians from selected public and private universities. Two methods were used in gathering data with regards to forensic accounting education. An online search (through the various universities’ websites) was conducted to make a content analysis of existing forensic accounting courses in the various business schools among the public universities in Ghana. This search was the only convenient way to actually know whether a university is actually offering forensic accounting in Ghana. In addition, the researcher conducted a survey by administering questionnaires consisting of close ended questions. The statistical technique was both descriptive as well as inferential. The findings reveal that while students and academicians share similar awareness levels of forensic accounting, accounting practitioners exhibit higher awareness. Perceived severity, susceptibility, and risk influence academicians' inclination to introduce forensic accounting, with age and academic rank as control variables. The study highlights the alertness in addressing fraud before implementing forensic accounting. Financial and human resource challenges pose significant obstacles, with a shortage of forensic accounting academics in Ghana. Integrating forensic accounting into accounting and auditing courses is recommended for swift implementation. This approach can equip students to combat fraud effectively.