170 District Assemblies have been cited by the Auditor General for cash irregularities in the sum of more than ¢33 million to the state.
These include commitment of expenditure without the use of the GIFMIS, Deduction at Source for Fumigation and SIP Services not rendered, funds not accounted for, payments not properly supported with relevant documentation to authenticate the transactions, and unretired funds.
The 2019 Auditor General’s report on the Management and Utilisation of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund and other Statutory Funds for the financial year ending 31st December 2019, noted that these irregularities have become repetitive due to disregard and violations of relevant laws.
Besides, recommendations to strengthen controls have again recommended refund of amounts either not accounted for or were losses which resulted from management inaction to protect the resources of the Assemblies.
The report has also indicated that the Auditor General is in the process of disallowing and surcharging officials who are culpable.
However, the report also indicated that Procurement irregularities noted in the year decreased significantly from ¢10,696,000 in 2018 to ¢4,121,000 in 2019 representing 61 point four-six percent drop.
The Audit report however recommended strict compliance with the procurement laws and store regulations and for offenders to be sanctioned under Section 51 of the Public Procurement (Amendment) Act 914 and officials whose negligence resulted in avoidable losses to be held liable to refund such losses.
