Ho Poly understated 2013 IGF returns by about GHc500,000

By: Fred Yaw Sarpong

The Ho Polytechnic’s returns on Internally Generated Funds (IGF) submitted to the Controller and Accountant General for 2013 was understated by GH¢489,698.78, according to the Auditor-General’s.

The department recommended that revenue figures should be properly reconciled and fully disclosed on returns to the Controller and Accountant General and other stakeholders as required by Regulation 19(1) of the Financial Administration Regulations (FAR) 2004 (L.I. 1802).

The report also said the Polytechnic paid GH¢22,000.00 to a student who brought a suit against the Rector and Registrar for the wrongful declaration of his examination result and failing to rectify the error when notified.

It also recommended compliance with the Polytechnic Act so that, matters of such nature could be resolved amicably to avoid further embarrassment to the Polytechnic. Also, the lecturer whose action resulted in the loss should be surcharged with the amount.

The report which was published in 2015 stated that due to the delay of GETFund in paying for two vehicles the Ho Polytechnic procured from M/s Auto Mall Ghana Limited, an accumulated interest of GH¢83,633.80 was levied which erroneously included a VAT/NHIL component amounting to GH¢14,416.44.

“The Polytechnic’s Internal Roads Construction contract costing GH¢818,150.87 was revised to GH¢1,417,150.87, a variation of GH¢559,000.00 or 73% without approval,” Auditor General’s report noted.

The report also observed that the contractor has so far been paid GH¢1,174,514.90 which exceeded the original contract sum by GH¢356,364.83.

Auditor General recommended justification of the arbitrary increase in the contract sum and also authority to be obtained to support the additional works paid totaling GH¢356,364.83 for the amount to stand as eligible claim to the contractor or recovery made into the Polytechnic’s account.

“Pre and Post Consultancy Contract on the construction of 4-storey Central Classroom Block and Office Complex for the Faculty of Engineering awarded to M/S ESTURSRON CONSULT included unjustified miscellaneous claims of GH¢32,750.00 out of which GH¢7,750.00 has been paid,” according to the report.

The report noted that equipment worth GH¢81,815.53 meant to be set up for the Industrial Art programme introduced in the 2011/2012 academic year was yet to be installed as at the time of our audit. Similarly, equipment received from COTVET for the Mechanical Engineering department has not been installed.

The report said “though the Polytechnic planned in 2013 to procure various items amounting to GH¢131,999.30 using the National Competitive Tendering method, it rather used the price quotation method.”

Again the management of the Polytechnic sponsored five lecturers at a cost of GH¢27,913.60 to study programmes which had no accreditation at various universities. The management subsequently refused to recognise the certificates obtained and upgrade by these lecturers accordingly. Base on that the aggrieved lecturers have therefore taken management to court for redress.

As a result of management’s failure to advice appropriately, GETFund sponsored Mr. Emmanuel Nukunu Kabu to do a Master’s Degree program at the cost of £35,860 after his compulsory retirement age in 2011, and continued to be at post for three more years till 3 February 2014.