NDC Calls for Probe into Government’s Covid-19 Expenditures

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has implored the Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo to conduct a special audit into the expenditures of the Akufo-Addo government amid the covid-19 pandemic.

The minority has hinted at a possible malfeasance, saying “Akufo Addo government is hiding behind the coronavirus situation in the country to engage in reckless borrowings and expenditures”

The minority called for a probe into some ¢280.3 million spent on relief items during the lockdown period.

According to the NDC, government had failed to furnish the public with details of how much was spent on the exercise.

They also alleged foul play, claiming that some of the relief items were sold to citizens.

Addressing journalists at the maiden edition of the party’s Weekly Press Briefing in Accra on Monday June 1, the Ranking Member of the Finance Committee of Parliament, Mr Cassiel Ato Forson  also called for an investigation into some amount of GH¢200 million,  said to be earmarked for the provision of water and sanitation.

READ ALSO:
Akufo-Addo Eased Lockdown Restrictions to Aid NPP Agenda – NDC

 “The low coverage and haphazard implementation of these interventions during the lockdown period, specifically the distribution of free hot meals and dry food to the vulnerable, as well as the supply of tankers of water to deprived households, gives us cause for concern that these funds were not utilized judiciously by government.

“This is particularly so, as we have sighted media reports of state-sponsored COVID relief items meant for the vulnerable, being sold in the market by functionaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party in Kumasi and other parts of the country.

“Indeed, we have in our possession, an audio recording from Kumasi based Silva FM, in which Market women at Tafo Pankrono have confirmed that eggs meant for the vulnerable under the CAP have been diverted and sold on the market by persons associated with certain government functionaries in the area.”

The NDC said, the calls for special auditing is anchored on section 16 of the Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584) which says:

“The Auditor-General may in addition to the audit of public accounts, carry out in the public interest, such special audits or reviews as he considers necessary, and shall submit reports on the audits or review undertaken by him Parliament.”