The Ghana Audit Service is reportedly bracing for a significant leadership change on the eve of President Akufo-Addo’s departure from office, a move shrouded in controversy and raising concerns about potential political motivations. The imminent dismissal of the current Auditor-General, Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, just hours before the end of his tenure, has sparked tension and disquiet within the institution. Asiedu, who took over from the embattled Daniel Yao Domelevo, served on a post-retirement contract, which is now set to be terminated to pave the way for the appointment of Eugenia Shorme Nortey, the current Deputy Auditor-General in charge of Finance, Administration, and Human Resources.
Nortey’s rapid ascent within the Audit Service has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation. Having previously served as a director of audit, a position typically held for a decade or more, her recent promotion to Deputy Auditor-General and now her anticipated elevation to the top job has drawn criticism from within the service. Many staff members question her qualifications and experience, particularly given the presence of other long-serving deputy auditors-general with considerably more time in their roles. This accelerated trajectory has led to allegations that her appointment is politically motivated, potentially aimed at shielding the outgoing administration from scrutiny.
Adding to the controversy is Nortey’s alleged involvement in the US$1 million Kroll and Associates scandal, a case that previously embroiled former Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo, who currently serves as an advisor to President Akufo-Addo. Nortey is said to have been tasked with investigating the controversial payment to Kroll and Associates for a forensic audit that yielded no tangible results. While the Audit Service initially flagged the payment and surcharged Osafo-Marfo, subsequent legal challenges overturned the surcharge, effectively absolving the senior minister and other officials. Critics argue that Nortey’s involvement in this case raises questions about her impartiality and suitability to lead the Audit Service.
The timing of Nortey’s proposed appointment, just a day before the presidential handover to John Dramani Mahama, has further amplified concerns. Critics see the move as a calculated attempt by the outgoing president to obstruct potential investigations into financial irregularities during his eight-year tenure. The appointment has drawn parallels to the appointment of Daniel Domelevo by former President Mahama, but observers point out that Domelevo’s appointment occurred well before Mahama left office and did not involve the termination of any existing contracts. This distinction underscores the unusual nature of Akufo-Addo’s last-minute maneuver.
The controversy surrounding Nortey’s potential appointment extends beyond her rapid rise within the Audit Service and her involvement in the Kroll and Associates case. Concerns have also been raised about her alleged ties to Prof. Edward Duah Agyeman, a former Auditor-General and Chairman of the Audit Service Board, and to the outgoing Auditor-General, Akuamoah Asiedu. These connections, along with her reported association with Dennis K. Y. Vormawor, a board member, have further fueled suspicions of undue influence and political maneuvering in the appointment process. The confluence of these factors has cast a shadow over the impending transition and intensified scrutiny of the outgoing administration’s actions.
The situation within the Ghana Audit Service reflects a broader concern about the independence and integrity of oversight institutions. The perceived politicization of such critical bodies undermines public trust and raises questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. As the nation prepares for a change in leadership, the controversy surrounding the Audit Service appointment serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in ensuring impartial oversight and safeguarding public resources. The unfolding events will undoubtedly be closely watched by civil society organizations, the media, and the public, eager to see how the incoming administration addresses the concerns surrounding this contentious appointment and the broader issue of institutional independence.
