It has emerged in the Auditor Generals 2013-2014 report that management of the Bolgatanga Polytechnic disbursed an amount of GH¢68,700.29 without adequate supporting documents to justify the payment.
“We noted during the examination of payment vouchers that nine, with a total face value of GH¢68,700.29 were without adequate supporting documents for substantiation,” the report said.
According to the report, the head of finance failed to ensure that the transactions were properly authenticated to show that the amounts were due and payable, contrary to Regulation 39 (2c) of the FAR, 2004.
Though the report failed to name the Finance Officer, it charged him to obtain the requisite authenticating documents or he refunds the amount involved. This recommendation was accepted by management of the school.
The report among others revealed that an amount of GH¢47,416.31 was paid to seven staff within the year 2013-2014 which they did not deserve because they were separated. It blamed the finance officer for failing to notify the bankers of the separated staff except one officer and to order the placement of an embargo on their unearned salaries and requesting for the transfer of same into the Consolidated Bank.
It therefore noted that the Finance Officer’s inaction denied Government the amount of GH¢47,416.31 for developmental purposes and hence recommended that, management should retrieve the amount from the separated staff and pay same to government chest or in default, the Finance Officer should be made to refund the amount.
By: Azongo Albert | A1RADIOONLINE.com | GHANA
