Hon. Okyere Agyekum Urges Institutions to Proactively Submit Documents for Audit

In a recent public hearing held in Sunyani, Hon. Kofi Okyere Agyekum, the Ranking Member of the Public Accounts Committee, emphasized the importance of institutions submitting necessary documents and evidence during auditing processes. Hon. Agyekum urged organizations to be proactive and avoid waiting for auditors to request evidence, instead advising them to approach auditors promptly with supporting documents to prevent negative findings in the final report.

During the hearing, Hon. Agyekum, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Fanteakwa South in the Eastern Region, addressed institutions that had been mentioned in the Auditor-General’s Report for minor issues relating to the lack of supporting documentation. The Committee noted that some of these institutions had traveled from various locations to defend their actions with the necessary evidence, highlighting the importance of submitting documents in a timely manner to avoid unnecessary complications.

The Committee focused on reviewing the Auditor-General’s report on the Management and Utilization of District Assemblies Common Fund and Other Statutory Funds for the year ending December 31, 2021, as well as the reports on the accounts of District Assemblies and the Public Accounts of Ghana’s Pre-tertiary Education Institutions for the same period.

One of the key concerns raised during the hearing focused on the Internally Generated Funds (IGF) of District Assemblies, especially those in cocoa-growing areas such as Sefwi Wiawso, Sefwi Akontombra, Sefwi Bodi, and Suaman District. Representatives from these Assemblies expressed deep concerns about the impact of the swollen shoot disease on cocoa production in their regions. They highlighted that the closure of several cocoa buying companies had severely affected their ability to generate funds independently and consequently relied heavily on their Common Fund.

Additionally, the Committee heard testimonies from various schools in the Western North Region, including Dadieso SHS, Bibiani SHS, Asawinso SHS, Nsawora Edumafua Comm.Day SHS, and Nana Brentu SHTS. These educational institutions appeared before the Committee to address concerns raised in the Auditor-General’s report.

Hon. Agyekum’s advice to institutions underscores the need for proactive engagement with auditors and timely submission of supporting documents.

Source:locotvgh.com