The Yunyoo-Nasuan District Assembly in the North East Region has been directed to recover a total of GH₵30,759.16 from a former Social Development Officer, Mr. Godfred Yahaya Musah, following findings that he allegedly received salaries he was not entitled to.
The directive follows infractions cited in the Auditor-General’s report, which came up during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting in Tamale on Wednesday, April 8.
According to the audit findings, Mr. Musah had vacated his post on January 1, 2024, but continued to receive salary payments until June 2024.
However, the District Assembly’s Finance Officer, Abdul Dafari Yakubu, told the committee that the matter is being contested, as the officer disputes claims that he abandoned his post.
He said management is still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the issue and noted that a query had been issued over alleged absenteeism.
Auditors, however, raised concerns over inconsistencies in attendance records, arguing that signatures presented to justify his presence at work appeared questionable and may have been fabricated.
Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee, Kwame Gakpey, cautioned that such issues amount to serious offences if proven, stressing that a signature that does not belong to the individual constitutes impersonation and fraud.
“A signature that does not belong to that person is also criminal. That is impersonation and fraud,” he said.
The Committee has subsequently directed the Assembly to recover the full amount or risk possible prosecution.
