Financial irregularities among Public Boards, Corporations, and other Statutory Institutions declined by GH₵6.2 billion in 2023, according to the Auditor-General’s report.
By the end of December 31, 2023, total irregularities had decreased by 41.6 per cent (GH₵6,260,178,686), from GH₵15,059,441,806 in 2022 to a total irregularities figure of GH₵8,799,263,120, as noted in the report.
These irregularities encompassed outstanding debtors/loan recovery, cash, payroll, tax, stores, procurement, and contracts.
The reduction in irregularities was largely attributed to the increased compliance level and implementation of audit recommendations by the entities covered, as stated by Mr Johnson Akuamoah-Asiedu.
In an interview with The High Street Journal at the 2024 financial audit launch and Regional District Auditors conference in Accra, on Friday, August 16, he said, “The clients we audit are now taking our recommendations seriously and have implemented some of the recommendations made in our previous audit, which reduced the infractions.”
The Auditor-General noted that procurement irregularities remained high during the audit period, but clarified that, “it does not necessarily mean the stealing of money, but rather that the processes were not followed.”
This is corroborated by the audit report, which indicated that “with the exception of procurement and contract irregularities, all other types of irregularities decreased in 2023, compared with the 2022 financial year.”
He urged the government to increase its support to the Audit Service to reinforce its independence, stating, “For the past four years, the government has been increasing our budget, but more needs to be done.”
Mr Akuamoah-Asiedu also called for a collective effort to raise awareness about tackling corruption in public institutions, noting that the Service has deployed digital systems to improve its operations.
Speaking at the event, Dr Stephen Amoah, a Deputy Minister of Finance, emphasized the importance of collaborating with internal auditors to strengthen internal controls and ensure greater accountability.
While urging all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure fiscal sustainability, Dr Amoah encouraged the Auditor-General to continue exercising the power of surcharging and disallowances to further reduce irregularities.
He assured the government’s commitment to providing the necessary financial assistance to make the Audit Service’s work more effective and efficient, thereby further reducing irregularities and supporting national development.
Mr Anthony Sarpong, a Senior Partner at KPMG, an auditing firm, encouraged the Audit Service to intensify its scrutiny of public accounts, apply sanctions, and pay particular attention to recovering funds, in addition to uncovering irregularities.
He stated that this plays a critical role in ensuring the effective management and safeguarding of public finances while attracting more foreign direct investment into the country.
Mr Sarpong urged public officers to hold themselves accountable, as they are the first in line to ensure proper management of public funds, and encouraged the Audit Service to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their operations.
