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Ag. Upper East Regional Director for CNC pays over Ghc360,000 in unearned salaries – AG’s Report

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The Auditor-General’s report on the public accounts of ghana – ministries, departments and other agencies (MDAs) for the year ended 31 December 2022 has cited the Upper East Regional Centre for National Culture’s Ag. Director, Elizabeth Talata Adongo for receiving illegitimate allowances.

“Part 3.4 of the Ministry of Finance Revised Administrative rules and procedures for implementing allowances in the Public Service provides that only Category ‘A’ and ‘B’ Public Office Holders are entitled to Category four allowances which include Fuel; Vehicle; Housing/Accommodation; Utilities; Domestic/House help; Garden boy; Entertainment; Clothing; and Security allowances.”

“We noted during the audit that the Ag. Regional Director, Elizabeth Talata Adongo with Staff ID 654013 who is not a Category ‘A’ or ‘B’ Public Office Holder, was paid two category ‘A’ and ‘B’ allowances (Domestic Servant Steward allowance and Domestic Servant Night Watchman allowance) from January 2021 to June 2022 totalling GH¢17,888.40 of which GH¢10,000.00 had been recovered leaving a difference of GH¢7,888.40,” the report stated. 

The Auditor-General has as such asked that the allowances be recovered from Madam Adongo. 

“We recommended that the Executive Director should recover the unearned allowances totalling GH¢7,888.40 from the Ag. Regional Director and pay same into the Auditor-General’s Recoveries Account with the Bank of Ghana, failing which the amount should be recovered from the Executive Director.”

Additionally, the Ag. Regional Director, Madam Adongo is said to have paid unearned allowance totalling over Ghc 360,000. 

“We noted that, the Ag. Regional Director paid unearned salaries totalling GH¢364,914.23 to 35 staff who did not assume duty effective 1 April 2021 and were not eligible to be paid salary for periods ranging between four and fifteen months. The Economic Organized Crime Office, (EOCO), Bolgatanga had since recovered GH¢12,420.00 leaving a balance of GH¢352,494.23 yet to be recovered.”

“We recommended that the Executive Director should recover the amount of GH¢352,494.23 with interest at the prevailing Bank of Ghana rate from the Ag. Regional Director and the Accountant and pay same into the Auditor-General’s Recoveries Account with Bank of Ghana, failing which the amount should be recovered from the Executive Director.”

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

ECOWAS’ hypocrisy in addressing issues fueling coups in Africa- Abdallah Salifu

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The Upper East Regional Communication Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress, Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, has bemoaned that the lukewarm attitude of the regional blocs in responding to issues bothering Member states is what is fueling coups in the subregion.

According to him, the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) are always reluctant to issue warnings to presidents who subvert the will of the people by changing their constitutions to extend their terms, yet are quick to issue  statements in any uprising.

He noted that the citizens of many countries in Africa with valuable natural resources to feed them are rather wallowing in the abyss of poverty while the political class and their families live in luxury and possess more than enough resources.

This, he noted, would over time breed anger among the people and eventually lead to takeovers of government by the military for its failure to address the very problems it was elected to solve.

The communication officer emphasised that though coups in any form must not be encouraged, it is important that the blocs play their part by ensuring the right things are done to avoid more future occurrences.

He revealed this when he spoke to Mark Smith on A1 Radio Daybreak Upper East show regarding the recent coups in Africa and matters arising.

The Upper East Regional Deputy Communication Officer of the governing New Patriotic Party, Andrew Atariwini, also pointed out that presidents in Africa must begin to respect the will of the people by not attempting to hold onto power through subversive means.

According to him, any democratic process that does not take into consideration the will of the people is counterproductive to democracy and must be avoided.

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Ghana

Boakye Agyarko steps down from NPP flagbearer race, cites unconstitutionality

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A flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Boakye Agyarko, has rescinded his decision to contest the upcoming run-off election,citing unconstitutionality perpetuated by the party.

In a letter dated August 31, 2023, and addressed to the Chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee of the NPP, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Mr. Agyarko chastised the idea of the National Council shortlisting a few individuals to represent the larger body of 955 delegates.

This, he noted, was unconstitutional as it violated the party’s constitution.

According to him, “It is totally unacceptable to me that such an unconstitutional act can be perpetuated on the altar of expediency. It is unconscionable that the rules of the game will be changed midstream.”

“Rules and regulations that are flip-flopped in such a manner are only detrimental to fair play and justice. It is a clear violation of the party’s constitution and the guidelines for the Special Electoral College. It is an unconstitutional act with which I cannot allow myself to be associated,” he added.

For these reasons, Mr. Agyarko said he could not, in his good conscience, participate in an electoral process that deviates from an initially agreed-upon procedure.

“I, therefore, respectfully serve this notice to refrain from such a contest. As always, I wish the party well,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, in a letter dated August 31 and signed by the chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee of the NPP, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, the election committee acknowledged his letter, adding “We take notice of your decision to withdraw from the contest, and therefore the run-off election scheduled for Saturday, September 2, will no longer be held”.

“We  appreciate your engagement and communication on these matters. The committee remains committed to transparency and fairness in all aspects of our work”. It ended.

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Ghana

Your computation of time limitation erroneous on Cecilia Dapaah case – OSP to High Court

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Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has made public its disagreement with an order from the Accra High Court ordering it [OSP] to return Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah’s seized money.

In a letter dated August 31, 2023, and signed by the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, the office of the special prosecutor expressed its displeasure with regard to the order of the court compelling it to return the seized money of the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources.

The OSP said that though it respects the directive by the court, it disagrees with it because its computation of the time limitation is erroneous.

“While the OSP respects the Court’s decision, it disagrees with the decision of the Court. First, the OSP believes that the Court’s computation of the time limitation is, with respect, erroneous. The OSP searched three (3) private residences associated with Ms. Dapaah over the course of two (2) weeks. The searches and discoveries were ongoing during that period”. The statement noted

According to the OSP, “There is little doubt that the OSP filed its application within the statutory window once the search and discovery window is considered”.

The OSP elaborated further that its decision to freeze the account of the former minister was not based on public sentiment, as the high court judge suggested.

“The freezing order was not based on public sentiments. Rather, it was based on court processes filed in a criminal matter before the Circuit Court, Accra, involving Ms. Dapaah as the complainant.

Further, the freezing order was effected to aid the investigation, as required by law, not on the basis of the investigation, as indicated by the court. Therefore, it cannot be said that the OSP did not carry out proper investigations to warrant the freezing order. The investigation has only commenced, and it is ongoing” It  added

It will be recalled that the OSP filed an application at the Accra High Court as part of an investigation into corruption and corruption-related offences against the former Minister and seized some cash found in her residence, with her bank account also frozen.

However, the Court has ordered the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to return the $590,000 and GH¢2.73 million seized from Cecilia Dapaah’s home to her within seven days.

The court has also reversed an order by the OSP to freeze the bank accounts of Dapaah at Societe Generale and Prudential Bank.

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Ghana

NPP Flagbearer hopefuls must consider allowing Dr. Bawumia to go uncontested – Andrew Atariwini

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The Upper East Regional Deputy Communication Officer of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Andrew Atariwini, is of the opinion that four of the NPP flagbearer hopefuls must reverse their decision to contest the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, come November 4.

According to Mr. Atariwini, this would consolidate the gains of the party, save resources and time, unify the party, and reposition it to capture power in 2024.

The communication officer noted that “the just-ended superdelegates conference has just revealed the will of the party, and any future election to determine who becomes the next flagbearer of the party will not make any difference”.

He said the vice president winning all regions in a landslide is an indication that he is the preferred candidate “based on the fact that the constituency executives and the other executives voted based on the wishes of the grassroots”.

To him, all contestants must come together and rally behind the vice president to work  towards the 2024 general elections, adding that party folks must also stop labelling people belonging to different camps of the party for unity to prevail.

He made these assertions when he spoke to Mark Smith on A1 Radio`s Daybreak Upper East show regarding the just-ended NPP superdelegates conference and matters arising.

The Upper East Regional Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress, Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, however, disagrees with him, arguing that in an election anything can happen, and that is why supporters of the Vice President repeatedly reverse their target downwards.

He said the vice president getting less than 70 percent with the massive support he had in the superdelegates conference does not present any hope for him to be allowed to go uncontested. 

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Ghana

Traffic Tech-GH to revolutionise road traffic enforcement in Upper East Region

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The Ghana Police Service (GPS) is set to revolutionise road traffic enforcement and enhance road safety in the Upper East Region with the launch of a cutting-edge technology platform known as Traffictech-GH. 

The initiative, aimed at effectively enforcing road traffic regulations and ensuring the safety of all road users, is expected to bring about significant improvements in road safety and traffic management.

Chief Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng, the project officer overseeing Traffic Tech-GH, unveiled the ambitious project during a stakeholder engagement held in Bolgatanga. 

According to the Chief Superintendent the innovative system would leverage modern technology to tackle the challenges associated with road traffic violations and accidents in the region.

“The Traffic Tech-GH platform will rely on a network of strategically placed cameras and sensors to monitor and capture images and videos of vehicles that disregard road traffic laws. These state-of-the-art devices will be capable of detecting various traffic violations, such as speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, and illegal parking. Once a violation is detected, the system will automatically record the offence, including the date, time, location, and vehicle details, for subsequent enforcement actions.”

He added that one of the key features of Traffic Tech-GH was its real-time monitoring capabilities. 

“This means that law enforcement authorities can immediately respond to incidents of traffic violations and ensure swift enforcement of the law. It is anticipated that this rapid response will act as a deterrent, discouraging reckless driving and promoting responsible behaviour among road users.”

The Acting Director General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), David Osafo Adonteng, also indicated that the introduction of Traffic Tech-GH was a significant step forward in the quest to reduce road accidents and fatalities in the country. 

“By effectively enforcing traffic regulations, the Ghana Police Service and the road safety authority will be able to create a safer environment for both motorists and pedestrians. The system’s ability to provide concrete evidence of violations will also streamline the legal process and enhance the efficiency of traffic enforcement. 

“In addition to its primary function of enforcing road traffic regulations, Traffictech-GH is expected to have broader implications. The data collected by the system can be analysed to identify traffic patterns, hotspots of violations, and areas in need of infrastructure improvements. This valuable information will enable authorities to make informed decisions about road safety measures, traffic management, and urban planning,” he added. 

The introduction of Traffic Tech-GH, the Chief Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng said will reflect the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to embracing technology as a tool for enhancing law enforcement and public safety. 

He therefore emphasised the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders, including the public, in making this initiative a success.

“As Traffictech-GH prepares for its rollout, residents and commuters in the Upper East Region can look forward to safer roads and more effective traffic management. With the promise of enhanced road safety and reduced traffic violations, this technological advancement marks a positive step towards a better and safer future for all road users in the region.”

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana

Students of Kongo SHS, Gowrie SH/TS owe more than Gh¢83k for damage to school properties

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The administrations of Kongo Senior High School and Gowrie Senior High School are being tasked to collect over GHS 83,000 from a total of over 500 students. This sum is intended to serve as compensation for the aforementioned schools following incidents where students caused damage to school property during riots.

“Following students rioting at the Gowrie Senior High Technical and Kongo Senior High Schools, the investigative committees constituted recommended that 511 students from the two Schools should pay a total amount of GH¢83,632.58 for damages caused to the schools’ properties. However, management of the two schools have not been able to recover the amounts from the students.”

This is according to the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana: Colleges of Education and Pre-university Educational Institutions for the financial year ended 31 December 2022.

163 students of the Gowrie Senior High Technical school owe Ghc163 17,767.00 while 348 students of Kongo Senior High school owe Ghc65,865.58.

The report charged the management of the schools to take quick steps to collect the money owed.

“We recommended to management of the schools to intensify their effort to recover the total amount from the defaulting students without further delay.”

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

Schools in Upper East Region owe suppliers close to Ghc8.5 million – AG

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It has come to light that “at the end of 2022 financial year, the schools owed students, suppliers and service providers a total amount of GH¢ 8,731,145.57.”

A good portion of this amount is due to irregular payments made under the Free Senior High School programme.

This is according to the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana: Colleges of Education and Pre-university Educational Institutions for the financial year ended 31 December 2022.

The report stated that “Out of the total of GH¢8,731,145.57 owed by the institutions at the end of the year, GH¢8,324,288.82 representing 95.34% was owed to suppliers of goods and services. This was mainly due to irregular release of funds by the Free Senior High School Secretariat to the schools under the Free SHS program[me]. Students’ creditors of GH¢406,856.75 recorded was attributed to advance receipts in 2022 from students of the Gbewaa College of Education for 2023 academic year.”

“We urged management of the institutions to endeavour to honour their obligations as and when they fall due to avoid any penalties and also to continue to enjoy the goodwill and confidence of their creditors,” the report stated.

Meanwhile, the total indebtedness of students, staff and other entities to the institutions for the 2022 financial year was GH¢4,060,228.18. The institutions include some of the 43 Pre University Educational Institutions, and seven Colleges in the Upper East Region.

The audit report added that “Out of the 50 institutions 44 submitted their annual accounts and financial statements for validation before the statutory deadline of 28 February 2022.”

In accordance with provisions of Articles 187(2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the accounts and other related records of 875 Colleges of Education and Pre-University Educational Institutions for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 were audited by the Auditor General, Johnson Akuamoah Aseidu.

The audits were conducted in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) and best practice considering that the Public Financial Management System of Ghana is regulated by relevant legislative and administrative guidelines such as the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended, the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584), and the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378).

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

Students of St. John Bosco’s College of Education in Navrongo owe school more than Ghc900,000

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Students of St. John Bosco’s College of Education in Navrongo, in the Upper East Region owe the school a total of GH¢969,800.29.

This is according to the Report of the Auditor-General on the Public Accounts of Ghana: Colleges of Education and Pre-university Educational Institutions for the financial year ended 31 December 2022. 

The report has as such, called on management of the school to institute effective strategies to help collect the amount owed. 

“However, students’ debtors of St. John Bosco’s College of Education amounting to GH¢969,800.29 constituted the large portion of the total student debtors of GH¢2,074,668.06. We urged management of the respective schools to institute effective mechanisms to recover these debts.”

Meanwhile, the total indebtedness of students, staff and other entities to the institutions for the 2022 financial year was GH¢4,060,228.18. The institutions include some of the 43 Pre University Educational Institutions, and seven Colleges in the Upper East Region.

The audit report added that “Out of the 50 institutions 44 submitted their annual accounts and financial statements for validation before the statutory deadline of 28 February 2022.”

In accordance with provisions of Articles 187(2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the accounts and other related records of 875 Colleges of Education and Pre-University Educational Institutions for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 were audited by the Auditor General, Johnson Akuamoah Aseidu. 

The audits were conducted in accordance with the International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) and best practice considering that the Public Financial Management System of Ghana is regulated by relevant legislative and administrative guidelines such as the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended, the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584), and the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378).

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana

 PAC to  recommend special auditing of GETFUND projects

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The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Hon. James Klutse-Avedzi has hinted that the Committee would make recommendations to the House to ask the Auditor-General to do a Financial Performance Audit on only educational projects being funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETfund).

This follows an observation made by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa South Constituency Hon. Clement Apak and the MP for South Dayi, Hon. Rockson Dafiamekpor, who  noted that the irregularities about uncompleted GETfund  projects cited in Auditor-General’s reports are too many.

To address this, they said a pragmatic measure must be adopted to address the situation going forward.

The MPs emphasised that this will even help the Committee to know the number of projects being funded by GETfund at a particular Constituency at any given time, adding that Heads of Institutions must be included in the process of awarding contracts so that certain purchased items of low standards are not just dumped on  the Schools by the contractors.

They made these observations at the on-going Zone One Public Hearing of the Committee in Tamale to consider the 2021 Auditor-General”s Reports on the Management and Utilisation of District Assemblies Common Fund and Other Statutory Funds for the year ended 31st December, 2021 and Accounts of District Assemblies (IGF) for the year ended 31st December, 2021 (All MMDAs in the Upper West Region cited in the two Reports).

Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gilbert Azeem Tiroog|Ghana

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