Audit service warns media against misreporting financial irregularities
The Ghana Audit Service has clarified that not all irregularities highlighted in the Auditor-General’s reports amount to embezzlement, corruption, or deliberate misuse of public funds.
According to the Service, many of the flagged issues are administrative lapses such as incomplete documentation, delays in financial reporting, and failure to comply with established procedures, rather than intentional attempts to misappropriate state resources.
The clarification was made during a two-day media training organised by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in partnership with the Audit Service, with support from the Hewlett Foundation.
The programme brought together journalists from selected media houses in the Ahafo, Bono, Bono East, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions to equip them to report accurately on audit findings.
Assistant Director of Audit and Information Officer at the Audit Service, Mr Frederick Lokko, urged journalists to seek clarification from the Service before publishing stories based on audit reports.
“Not every irregularity flagged in the Auditor-General’s report means public funds have been stolen,” he stressed.
Mr Lokko cautioned against sensationalising figures, warning that misreporting could mislead the public and erode trust in governance.
He encouraged journalists to make use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act when necessary and reminded them that the Audit Service’s website is regularly updated with verified information to support fact-based reporting.
Assistant Auditor-General in charge of the Audit Unit, Mr Patrick Neequaye, also underscored the need for balanced reporting.
He advised that figures should always be verified from official publications and headlines crafted carefully.
“The Auditor-General’s reports are meant to promote accountability and improve financial management. Misrepresenting the findings undermines that purpose and could misinform the public,” Mr Neequaye stressed.
Adding a media perspective, investigative journalist Mr Stephen Nartey encouraged participants to analyse audit reports holistically.
He advised that journalists focus on data, context, and systemic issues rather than isolated figures.
Mr Nartey further called for objective reporting, noting that stories should also highlight areas where no irregularities are found to give audiences a balanced understanding.
The training concluded with a call on the media to strengthen its watchdog role by presenting audit findings with accuracy and responsibility to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
