UTAG-UG Calls for Auditor-General's Resignation Over Disputed Payroll Audit Report

Accra, Ghana - 20 May, 2025 - The University of Ghana is embroiled in a heated dispute with the Auditor-General's office over a payroll audit report that claims the institution overstated employee compensation by GH¢59.2 million between 2022 and 2024. The University Teachers Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Chapter (UTAG-UG), has vehemently rejected the findings, calling for Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu's immediate resignation.

UTAG-UG General Secretary Jerry Joe Harrison criticized the audit report, saying it was compiled without the university's input, which he believes is a serious breach of professional ethics. "The audit service appears to have prioritized appearances over accuracy and fairness," Harrison alleged.

According to him, the university was denied the opportunity to review and comment on the audit findings before they were made public.

“It appears to us that the audit service is more interested in appearing to be working rather than doing the right thing, and in so doing, they ignore ethical standards that guide their profession,” he remarked at a press briefing on Tuesday May 20.

“The University of Ghana maintains that the audit report was not shared with them for them to make comments and clarify any discrepancies before this was made public. This is unfair and unethical. This is a serious breach of the ethics required of the audit service and the profession.''

The association has given the Auditor-General an ultimatum: resign or face a petition to the President for his removal. UTAG-UG argues that Asiedu's conduct falls short of professional standards, rendering him unfit to hold office.

“For the Auditor-General to sit in his office and preside over such an institution that disregards ethical standard practice, we are hereby calling for the resignation of the Auditor-General, or we will petition the President for him to be removed,” Harrison declared.

The controversy underscores the need for transparent and accurate auditing practices in public institutions, with the University of Ghana's reputation and staff integrity hanging in the balance.

Source: Lead News Online