Audit Uncovers Ghost Workers and Asset Irregularities in Vice President’s Office

December 23, 2024

An audit of the Vice President's Office has exposed payroll and asset management irregularities for the 2023 fiscal year.

The investigation revealed that salaries totaling NLe55,424 were paid to three individuals who were not listed among the office’s approved staff. Their names appeared on payroll documents from the Accountant General’s Department but lacked verification within the Vice President’s Office. The audit recommended verifying these individuals' employment documents or removing their names from the payroll and recovering the funds already paid.

Additionally, the audit highlighted gaps in asset management, with assets worth NLe312,160 procured in 2023 not recorded in the fixed assets register. Two affiliated units also lacked proper asset records. The report called for updated registers and tagging of assets to prevent future mismanagement.

The findings underscore the need for improved oversight and adherence to administrative practices to enhance transparency and accountability in public resource management.