GH¢299m COVID fumigation spending was audited but left out of report – Manasseh Awuni

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has revealed that the Audit Service confirmed auditing GH¢299 million spent by the Ministry of Local Government on COVID-19 fumigation, despite the expenditure being left out of the final report. Awuni inquired about the omission on Joy News’ PM Express, expressing surprise that the Ministry’s fumigation expenses were not included in the Auditor-General’s report on COVID-19 spending.

The Audit Service explained in an appendix that they had audited all expenditures of the Ministry of Local Government, including fumigation. However, Awuni pointed out that this does not negate the fact that the spending was not reflected in the report, especially considering that the Ministry spent a significant amount on fumigation.

The Auditor-General's report had previously stated that the total cost of fumigation was only GH¢96 million. Awuni questioned why the Ministry's spending was omitted, given that one of the audit's objectives was to provide a fair representation of COVID-19 revenues and expenditures. He emphasized that the Audit Service's explanation did not adequately address the significant discrepancy in the report.