By: Binta Jaiteh
The National Audit Office (NAO) revealed that One Million, Six Hundred and fifty thousand (D1,650,000.00) meant for the frontline workers went missing.
On Covid-19 response phase 2, the NAO disclosed that there is an un-presented Payment Voucher amounting to this huge amount which is missing, neither the Accountant General nor the agencies could provide this documentation despite several attempts.
“All payments should be supported with a payment voucher, and this should be retained for future audit purposes. Payments should not be processed without such a trail being in place,” the NAO report stated.
The report further stated that there were correspondences with payment attachment lists of personnel from the Ministry of Health directing Hospitals and other health facilities to proceed with the payment of the respective allowances.
“As auditors, we noted that some staff included in the payment attachment list did not receive allowances. Any personnel identified and included in the attachment list and considered eligible personnel is entitled to receive allowances.
“Furthermore we discovered that inaccurate amounts of allowances were paid to frontline workers over payment of D1, 615,548 for two hundred and twenty-seven (227) personnel while underpayment of D1, 485,565 for two hundred and seventy-five (275) staff. This mainly affected staff in URR and CRR,” the report explained further.
However, it added that payment officers should ensure that monies allocated for specified purposes are only used for the intended purpose. Inventory System and Stock Cards.
“Weak inventory system was noted at the medical facilities visited, meanwhile stock cards were not maintained and regular stock counts were not carried out and documented.
“Without such basic stock controls, there is a significant risk that items could be lost or stolen without a trace.”
NAO report further disclosed that based on the evidence obtained during the audit, adequate and appropriate evidence was not presented by the Ministry of Health to substantiate the payment of allowances to some frontline workers. Lapses in internal, control meant discrepancies noted might not be addressed and funds might be diverted.
In addition, the payment process does not fully comply with the laws and regulations that govern them, distribution of medical items for use in the fight against COVID-19 was not conducted, in all material respects, by relevant Laws, Regulations, the Standard Operating Procedures Manual, and Stores Regulations.