Finance Ministry to respond to Covid-19 expenditure in Auditor-General's report - Adomonline.com

The Ministry Finance has assured that it will address all issues raised in the audit of the government’s Covid-19 expenditure Report released by the Auditor-General.

Some of the corrupt practices that were uncovered were paying a total of US$607,419.02 out of US$4,049,460.12 for the purchase of 26 ambulances that were never delivered, paying unapproved GH ₵151,500 by the Information Ministry to its own staff as Covid insurance, and paying for $80 million worth of vaccines by the government that was never delivered, amongst others.

Responding to the report, the Ministry of Finance stated that the findings provide government an opportunity to implement the recommendations made by the Auditor-General.

“The Ministry welcomes the Auditor-General’s report and wishes to assure the public that, steps are being taken to address all issues,” a statement issued by the Public Relations Unit said.

The statement reassured that government will continue to apply its best efforts to enforce and enhance expenditure management and accountability to ensure proper utilization of tax revenue to the full benefit of citizens, using established budgetary and accountability systems in government.

Providing some background and clarifications, the Finance Ministry said the audit report confirms total resources mobilized for the Covid-19 response over the period March 2020 to June 2022 at ¢21,844,189,185.24.

“The Ministry of Finance coordinated the mobilization and disbursement of funds for the Covid-19 responses by government in accordance with the Public Financial Management Act, to ensure timely release of funds to save lives, livelihoods, and property”.