More than $3.1million in payment vouchers could not be verified during an audit of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, according to the Auditor-General’s 2024 report tabled in Parliament last week.
The report revealed that payment vouchers and supporting documents worth $3,119,090 were not provided for audit verification, raising concerns about record keeping and accountability.
“In the absence of payment and journal vouchers, the audit was not able to establish the accuracy and completeness of these transactions,” the report stated.
The missing documents relate to several programs, including bus fare assistance, disability allowance, and support for rural pregnant mothers.
The largest amounts include $1million, $800,000 and $800,000 allocated under bus fare payments, as well as $479,440 for disability allowance.
The Auditor-General noted that the senior accounts officer is responsible for the safekeeping and proper maintenance of all accounting records and documents.
The report recommended that the ministry strengthen its records management systems and ensure proper tracking of documents, including maintaining records of documents dispatched from the ministry.
In response, the ministry acknowledged the findings and said steps would be taken to address the issue.
“Recommendations well received. The majority of the missing vouchers cannot be confirmed as having been requested or dispatched to FICAC for investigation, as there is no documented evidence available to support this,” the ministry said.
It added that measures would be implemented to improve documentation and ensure records are properly maintained for future audits and tracking purposes.
