Ghana Auditor-General faces scrutiny over alleged COVID-19 spending cover-up

Ghana's Auditor-General is facing scrutiny following allegations that COVID-19 pandemic spending under the previous administration was significantly understated. Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni alleges that the office, which is constitutionally mandated to ensure government accountability, may have helped conceal the true extent of taxpayer expenditure.

In response to these findings, Majority Chief Whip in Parliament Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has called for a forensic audit. He cited evidence suggesting a gap of more than GH¢600 million in fumigation spending that was allegedly omitted from the Auditor-General’s special audit. Dafeamekpor noted that the previous audit was criticized by the Public Accounts Committee for being conducted too hurriedly, resulting in certain expenditure lines being left uncovered. He argued that a forensic inquiry is necessary to provide closure and hold public officers accountable for the use of funds granted under emergency powers.