Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
The University of Ghana Chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has raised serious ethical concerns over a recent payroll audit, challenging the professional conduct of Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu.
Rather than focusing solely on the financial figures in the controversial audit, UTAG-UG is drawing national attention to what it describes as a grave violation of due process and professional ethics.
According to the association, the Auditor-General’s office failed to engage the University of Ghana before releasing a report that alleges the institution inflated its staff compensation by GH¢59.2 million between 2022 and 2024.
In a press briefing on May 20, UTAG-UG General Secretary Jerry Joe Harrison criticized the Auditor-General for not allowing the university an opportunity to respond to or clarify the findings before the report went public.
“This is not just about numbers. This is about the principles that govern public auditing,” Harrison stated. “By bypassing the fundamental process of verification and response, the Auditor-General’s office has shown disregard for fairness and transparency.”
UTAG-UG insists that such actions undermine public trust in both the audit process and the integrity of academic institutions. The association argues that this approach not only misrepresents the university’s financial management but also unjustly damages its reputation and that of its staff.
“The conduct displayed reflects poorly on the ethics of the audit profession,” Harrison added. “We are therefore calling for the Auditor-General’s resignation. Should he refuse, we will escalate the matter by petitioning the President.”
The call, according to him, will signal a broader debate about accountability and the standards expected of public institutions responsible for oversight.
While financial scrutiny remains critical, UTAG-UG is urging that such processes be rooted in ethical transparency and procedural fairness to uphold the credibility of all involved.
