Audit averts potential loss of over GH¢159m in teacher trainee allowances

A forensic audit has prevented a possible loss of more than GH¢159 million intended for teacher trainee allowances under the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, March 10, Thomas Nyarko Ampem revealed that the Ministry of Education had earlier reported unpaid allowances amounting to GH¢160 million.

However, when auditors contacted GTEC for verification, the commission confirmed that by December 2024 there were no outstanding arrears owed to teacher trainees.

Further examination showed that GH¢6.1 million had been listed on the Ministry of Education’s Bank Transfer Advices (BTA) schedule at the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, even though the same amount had already been paid by a donor partner.

According to the Deputy Finance Minister, the discrepancy could have resulted in duplicate payments if it had not been detected during the audit process.

Mr. Nyarko Ampem noted that such inconsistencies expose weaknesses in financial monitoring and coordination between government agencies and donor-funded programmes.

He emphasised that the findings demonstrate the need for stronger oversight mechanisms and improved collaboration between government institutions and development partners to prevent financial mismanagement within the education sector.