Pressure Group, Occupy Ghana, has welcomed efforts of Auditor-General which has led to the recovery of over ¢67 million to government coffers through surcharged certificates issued to individuals and organisations.
But a member of the group, Nana Sarpong Agyemang Badu, wants the Auditor-General to ensure criminal prosecution where necessary.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem Friday, he said the group was happy about the development.
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“We are very happy to hear that the AG has been able to retrieve this huge money from these individuals but that shouldn’t be all. They should go ahead and report to the police to take over criminal investigations and prosecute them accordingly,” he said.
In June 2017, the Supreme Court granted reliefs sought by pressure group, OccupyGhana, in respect of the Auditor-General’s powers of disallowance and surcharges.
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The apex court directed the Auditor-General to issue disallowance and surcharges in respect of all state monies found to have been expended contrary to law.
The court also granted that the Auditor-General must take steps to recover all amounts lost to the state, including private persons.
Acting Public Relations Officer of the Audit Service, Benard Conduah in a release said the service “issued 112 Surcharge Certificates to individuals and organisations and recovered a total amount of ¢67,315,066.12 into government chest” between June 14, 2017 and November 30, 2018.
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But the Pressure Group, Occupy Ghana wants the Auditor General to not only surcharge corrupt officials but also prosecute them.
He believes the prosecution will serve as a deterrent to others.