Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Andreas Kamasah
Published on 2024-02-07 14:27:47
The Public Accounts Committee, in agreement with the Auditor General’s recommendation, upheld that Prof. Ken Attafuah and the financial controller should bear the cost of the penalty. During his appearance before the Public Accounts Committee on Wednesday, February 7, Prof. Kenneth Attafuah was given a strict one-month deadline to reimburse the amount. The committee rejected his explanation for the delay in payment, insisting on the Auditor General’s recommendation. “The recommendation is that you should refund the money, the money should be refunded from the Chief Executive and Financial Controller. You have come to explain why you did not pay the money you withheld to SSNIT but the committee will not accept your explanation. So the recommendation of the Auditor General still holds, the Chief Executive and the Financial Controller should go and refund the money to the recovery account of the auditor general and this should be done in one month,” declared the committee. In response, Prof. Kenneth Attafuah cited a lack of funds as the reason behind the delay in SSNIT contributions. He explained that the Authority prioritized salary payments over SSNIT contributions due to limited resources available at the time.
The Public Accounts Committee was specifically concerned with a case of money withheld by the CEO and the financial controller of the National Identification Authority and the failure to remit the amount to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for workers’ pensions and other benefits.
This case raises a significant ethical and financial issue, with the Public Accounts Committee taking a firm stance and insisting that the recommended penalty be imposed on the individuals responsible for the delay in payment. This decision reflects the committee’s commitment to upholding financial accountability and ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and ethically.
The Auditor General’s recommendation was clear and direct – the Chief Executive and the Financial Controller should refund the money that was withheld to the recovery account of the auditor general within one month. This shows that the committee takes a strong stance against financial mismanagement and is dedicated to holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Prof. Kenneth Attafuah’s explanation for the delay in payment, citing limited resources and the prioritization of salary payments over SSNIT contributions, was not accepted by the committee. This indicates that the committee prioritizes the timely remittance of funds to institutions like SSNIT to ensure that workers’ pensions and benefits are not compromised.
The outcome of this case demonstrates the importance of financial transparency and accountability, especially in government agencies and public institutions. It sends a clear message that individuals responsible for managing public funds must act with the utmost integrity and in compliance with financial regulations and guidelines.
In conclusion, the decision of the Public Accounts Committee to uphold the Auditor General’s recommendation and impose a penalty on Prof. Ken Attafuah and the financial controller sends a strong message about the importance of financial accountability and responsible management of public funds. It sets a precedent for ethical conduct and financial transparency in government agencies, ensuring that public funds are managed and disbursed in a manner that prioritizes the welfare and benefits of workers and the general public.
Read Original article on Pulse News
