Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh was admitted as a Chartered Global Management Accountant at a 2026 convocation in Ghana, emphasizing the evolving role of the profession. Professor Duramany-Lakkoh stated, "Accounting has gone far beyond reporting figures." He noted that the responsibilities of management accountants include testing assumptions, explaining the financial implications of proposed decisions, and helping organisations responsibly allocate resources. These professionals play a critical role in ensuring that financial information is not merely reported but actively used to drive strategic decisions. Core duties for management accountants encompass budgeting, forecasting, cost management, financial modelling, internal control, and risk assessment. Effective governance, according to Professor Duramany-Lakkoh, relies on the combined efforts of Boards, Company Secretaries, Human Resource leaders, and other professionals, working collaboratively to steer an organization towards its objectives.
Expanding the Accountant's Mandate
Management accountants should offer executives and boards informed financial and commercial perspectives concerning investment, performance, sustainability, and governance, according to Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh. He stated that financial information achieves its greatest utility when transformed into practical insight that supports sound decisions and accountability. This transformation from raw data to actionable intelligence is key for modern business environments. At the Board level, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh suggests accountants should assist Directors in evaluating an organization's financial resilience, assessing if its investments align with priorities, and confirming that Management's forecasts are supported by reliable evidence. He also emphasized that Non-Executive Directors play a key role in providing independent oversight and posing challenging questions regarding Management decisions and institutional risks, thereby strengthening corporate governance frameworks.
Professor's Background and Vision
Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh pursued management accounting due to its close connection to financial strategy, corporate finance, and enterprise risk management. This strategic focus shows his vision for the profession. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant years prior to his focus on management accounting, demonstrating a broad foundation in financial principles. Professor Duramany-Lakkoh is associated with IPAM, which is a constituent college of the University of Sierra Leone. His professional path reflects a belief in the broader strategic role of accountants beyond traditional financial reporting, advocating for their active participation in shaping organizational direction. He champions the idea that accountants are not just number crunchers but strategic partners.
Institutional Development at IPAM
Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh is advancing a 2025–2028 agenda focused on strengthening IPAM’s academic programmes, facilities, partnerships, and institutional services. This full agenda aims to elevate the institution's standing and offerings. His comments reflect a wider emphasis on governance in his work at the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM). The agenda seeks to position IPAM more strongly in business, governance, and technology education, preparing students for the evolving demands of the global economy. A four-storey annex at IPAM’s Old Campus is expected to provide additional lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and faculty offices upon completion, significantly enhancing the learning and working environment. IPAM was also preparing to commission facilities at its A.J. Momoh Street campus on Tower Hill, further expanding its physical footprint and capacity. IPAM’s regional engagement expanded on September 22, 2026, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Liberia Institute of Public Administration, fostering cross-border academic collaboration. Professor Duramany-Lakkoh previously stated, "Accounting has gone far beyond reporting figures," a sentiment that guides his efforts to modernize IPAM's curriculum and strategic outlook.
The Evolving Profession
Professor Ezekiel Kalvin Duramany-Lakkoh spoke at an executive training programme in Accra organized by the West Africa Bankers Association. During his address, Professor Duramany-Lakkoh reiterated, "Accounting has gone far beyond reporting figures," emphasizing the profession's expanding scope. He noted that the modern management accountant is a strategic partner, providing critical insights that drive organizational success. This strategic shift requires a broader skill set, moving beyond mere compliance and historical reporting to active participation in future-oriented decision-making.