Audit Service refutes UTAG-UG claims, defends integrity of audit report on UG compensations

The Ghana Audit Service has addressed comments from UTAG-UG.

UTAG-UG criticized the Auditor-General's handling of an audit report. They accused the Audit Service of procedural and ethical violations.

The Audit Service called these claims “inappropriate and not grounded on facts.”

This response followed a press conference by UTAG-UG on May 20. They disputed claims that the University of Ghana overstated employee compensation by GH¢59.2 million.

The Audit Service issued a statement clarifying the situation. They said UTAG-UG misrepresented their recent Special Audit Report. This report is titled “Recoveries Made from Disallowed Expenditure in the Auditor-General’s Reports from 2020–2023 and Payroll Savings as at 31st December 2024.”

The Audit Service emphasized that the report did not accuse the university of misconduct. Instead, it highlighted recoveries and savings from routine verification processes.

They urged the public to disregard UTAG-UG's calls for action. The statement affirmed that audits follow international standards and applicable laws.

These include the 1992 Constitution, Public Financial Management Act (2016), and Audit Service Act (2000).

The Audit Service aims to help institutions correct financial deviations, not harm their reputation.

They noted multiple engagements with University of Ghana management before publishing the report. Auditors raised any deviations for response before signing off on findings.

It is incorrect for UTAG-UG to assume otherwise, according to the service. Disallowed payroll figures often arise from lack of financial clearance or unapproved allowances.

These are recorded as savings for the government, not as misconduct by institutions involved.

Recently, JoyNews also responded to accusations from UTAG-UG about unprofessional reporting. JoyNews insisted its reporting was accurate and based on verified findings from the official audit report regarding UG's employee compensation overstatement.