The Management of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has revealed that it has provided the relevant documentation to transaction to the tune of some GHC318,982.54 found in the 2021 Auditor-General’s report which relates to the 2019 audit.

According to the university, management has noted with concern a “news story first carried by Myjoyonline” about the said undocumented transaction. It stated that UPSA has appeared before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament where the relevant documentation was accepted and the clearing of the audit finding upheld.

“Management wishes to bring to the attention of all media houses that since the release of the Auditor-General’s report, UPSA has provided the relevant documentation which has resulted in the clearing of this finding.”
UPSA

Contained in a statement signed by the Registrar of the University, Dr Koryoe Anim-Wright, it indicated that UPSA prides itself in engaging in strict discipline, adherence and compliance in matters relating to public accounting, auditing and performance standards. As such, the public and other media houses should engage the registrar on any matter pertaining to the report.

“The general public and media houses are entreated to take note to ensure comprehensive reporting on this matter.”
UPSA

Auditor General’s report on UPSA

On August 30, 2022, the Auditor-General in his 2021 Report revealed that some transactions undertaken by officials of the University for Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) were not backed by relevant documents as proof. This was contained in the report dated June 1, 2022, and addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Alban Bagbin.

The Auditors noted that “twenty-five (25) payment vouchers totalling GH¢318,982.54 released to officers of UPSA to transact official business on behalf of the University were not supported with the relevant documents”. The auditor recommended that “the amount be recovered” from the officers involved.

“Meanwhile, the head of accounts should step up his supervisory role to ensure payments are properly accounted for.”
Auditor General report

The Auditor General’s report indicated that due to the Director of Works non-adherence to internal control procedures, UPSA ordered the utilization in full contingency components of the contract sum of some completed projects totalling GHC 318,982.54 without seeking a written approval from management.

With this, the auditors recommended that the “Director of works should be meticulous in ensuring written approval is always sought from management prior to issuing instructions for the consumption of contingencies and provisional amounts” in contract management.

Meanwhile, the Auditor General’s report has disclosed that 374 academic programmes at the University of Ghana are unaccredited.

Out of the 374 courses, 14 of them are Diploma programmes, 80 out of the 374 programmes are Undergraduate courses, Post-Graduate unaccredited courses are 213, and 67 PhD courses.

According to the Auditors, “we noted that the University advertised 374 academic programmes on the various web portals that had the accreditation expired or requires re-accreditation during the period under review,” portions of the report indicated.

The Auditor-General recommended that the Management of the University should “expedite action for accreditation and re-accreditation of all new and expired academic programmes” respectively.