UG UTAG Demands Removal of Auditor-General Over GH¢59.2m Payroll Audit Dispute

The University of Ghana chapter of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UG UTAG) is calling for the immediate dismissal of the Auditor-General following a damning payroll verification audit that accused the University of inflating salary claims by GH¢59.2 million between 2022 and 2024.

The special audit report, which found irregular salary claims totaling GH¢86.86 million across various public institutions, singled out the University of Ghana as the largest contributor—accounting for 68% of the total figure. The publication of the findings has sparked significant backlash from the University’s academic staff.

Speaking at a press conference, UG UTAG Secretary Jerry Joe Harrison described the Auditor-General’s report as "misleading, unethical, and damaging" to the institution’s reputation. He criticized the Auditor-General for failing to give the University an opportunity to respond or clarify its position before the findings were made public.

“This is a clear breach of due process and professional ethics,” Harrison stated, expressing the Association’s frustration over what it sees as an unjustified public indictment.

UG UTAG also accused the Auditor-General’s office of serving political interests and condemned sections of the media for what it termed “persistent misreporting” on issues related to the University. The Association has called on the National Media Commission to take action against what it describes as substandard journalism.

“We urge the Commission to call these low-standard journalists to order, as their actions continue to harm the image of the University,” UG UTAG stated.

In defense of the flagged salary payments, the Association maintained that all disbursements were backed by lawful agreements with the government. It also highlighted systemic challenges faced by the University, including delayed government subventions and a lack of clearance for staff recruitment, which have exacerbated administrative and financial pressures.

UG UTAG insists that the actions of the Auditor-General have eroded public confidence in state institutions and must be addressed decisively. “For ethical breaches of this magnitude, we believe the Auditor-General should be removed from office,” Harrison concluded.

While affirming their commitment to transparency and accountability, UG UTAG emphasized that such values must be pursued with fairness, integrity, and respect for due process.