NCA criticized for abandoning GHc120,000 gym equipment
The Auditor-General has cited the National Communication Authority for non-judicious use of state resources.
The NCA, according to the Auditor-General’s report on selected state institutions found that the Authority procured some gym equipment at a cost of GH¢120,000 in 2016 but several years after the procurement, the equipment had not been put to use.
The Auditor-General remarked that the non-use of the equipment indicated that it was not a necessary expenditure.
“Our review disclosed that the NCA engaged Messrs. Switch Lane Ventures to supply and install gym equipment to the Authority and paid a total amount of GH¢120,000.00 to the vendors on 23-11-2016 by cheque with number 7925 for the transaction,” the Auditor-General said.
“Two (2) years on, the equipment has not been put to use. We are therefore unable to comprehend why state funds would be committed to ventures for which there is no need for as the instant case suggests,” the added.
In the recommendation, the Auditor-General instructed the management of the NCA to ensure that the gym is put to use without delay.
“We advised management to ensure the gym is put to its intended use without further delay, and also ensure that government’s estate are managed effectively and efficiently,” the reported noted.
In a related matter, the Auditor-General is urging the NCA to immediately recover rent monies from NMC and Heritage Bank.
The non-payment of rent by the National Media Commission (NMC) to the National Communications Authority (NCA) cost the authority US$141,648, according to the Auditor-General.
The property in question, located at Cantonments, has been occupied by the NMC since December 2016, according to an Auditor General’s Report.
“Since their occupancy of the property in December of 2016 no attempts have been made to enter into a formal agreement with respect to their tenancy,” the report noted.
The Auditor General further noted that the rental values for comparable properties ranged between US$26.00 (GH₵130) and US$45.00(GH₵225) per square metre.
The Auditor General urged the NCA to enter into a formal tenancy agreement with the NMC to ensure funds are available for the maintenance of the building.
“We also recommended to the management of the NCA to collect the overdue rent from the NMC and furnish proof of collection for audit certification or risk being sanctioned under the relevant provisions of the Financial Administration Regulations,” it added.