UG UTAG Calls for Auditor-General’s Resignation Over Payroll Audit Report

The University of Ghana chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG-UG) has called for the resignation of the Auditor-General, Mr. Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, accusing him of unethical conduct and misleading the public in a recent audit report.

At a press conference held in Accra on Tuesday, May 20, UTAG-UG strongly criticised the Auditor-General’s claim that the university had overstated employee compensation by GH¢59.2 million between 2022 and 2024. The association described the report as misleading, unethical, and damaging to the university’s reputation.

According to Jerry Joe Harrison, Secretary of UTAG-UG, the university was not given the opportunity to respond to or clarify the audit findings before the report was made public. He said this was a serious breach of professional ethics and due process.

“For the Auditor-General to sit in his office and preside over such an institution that disregards ethical standard practice, we are hereby calling for his resignation or we will petition the President for his removal,” Harrison stated.

UTAG-UG also accused the Auditor-General of allowing the report to be used for political manipulation and criticised some media outlets for what they called misreporting and bias against the university.

Harrison added that the Audit Service appeared more focused on creating the impression of work being done than on following proper procedures. “They ignore ethical standards that guide their profession,” he said.

The association defended the salary payments questioned in the report, saying they were made under legal agreements and were necessary due to challenges such as staff attrition, delayed government funding, and restrictions on recruitment.

UTAG-UG further called on the National Media Commission to address what it called “low-standard journalism” that it claims has harmed the university’s image.

In closing, the association stated that the Auditor-General’s actions have undermined public trust and accountability, and for that, he must step down.