Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, the Auditor-General, has ordered the Information Ministry to return some 151,500 Ghan a Cedis illegally paid to its staff during the covid 19 pandemic.
Mr. Asiedu’s audit of Covid-19 transactions from March 2020 to June 2022 revealed this.
According to reports, the situation developed in 2020 during the lockdown in Ghana during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the report, “During our review, we noted that senior management staff and other supporting staff of the Ministry of Information paid themselves a total amount of GH151,500.00 as COVID-19 risk allowance for coming to work during the lockdown.” This was done in exchange for their attendance during the lockdown.
At the time, President Akufo-Addo announced a number of incentives for frontline health workers, including tax breaks and insurance for halting the spread of the virus.
According to reports, some healthcare professionals have not yet received their share of the stipends.
Due to the fact that the Chief of Staff did not approve of the compensation, the most recent report raises questions about its justification.
The deed is “contrary to the above Presidential directives and without approval from the Office of Chief of Staff,” as stated in the document.
The Auditor-General has recommended that the money be deposited into the Auditor-General’s Recoveries account from the beneficiary staff.
