“Having reviewed the procurement process, we noted that the Governor who is the vote-controller and the Deputy Governor – the two most seniors have initiated procurements and claiming inappropriate and unsubstantiated payments amounting to D702,560 (Seven hundred and two thousand, five hundred and sixty dalasi.),” according to audit report obtained by The Point.
Conducting a further review of the issue, the report noted inappropriate expenses were initiated under the pretence of buying cash power, telecommunications expense, miscellaneous expenses, maintenance of a vehicle, official entertainment, uniform and protective cloth among others and then imposed the invoice on the accountant for payments.
Dwelling on the implication, the report further highlighted that having the vote-controller initiating and carrying out procurements, there is a risk of conflict of interest which might lead to potential procurement fraud.
Giving recommendation, the audit office recommends management to implement the segregation of duty process and desist from initiating procurements and claiming inappropriate payments. The officer also recommends all procurements to be handled by a specialised procurement officer while further recommending the matter to be investigated and the unsubstantiated amount should be recovered.
