Government Reminds Public Officials They Are Only Entitled To 20% Of Salaries In Lieu Of Rent

Government has welcomed the Auditor-General’s decision to conduct an immediate audit into the use of public funds by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), especially in relation to reports of inappropriate use of public funds by the Commissioner. 

While conceding that the Commission is an independent constitutional body, government in a statement issued in Accra and signed by the Minister for Communications, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, said it is be mindful of the fact that the Commission and other such bodies are funded by tax revenue, and allegations of misuse of such funds must be looked into. 

The statement said as an institution mandated by the 1992 Constitution to uphold the highest standards of accountability and morality, the reported claims of inappropriate use of funds and possible breach of the conditions of service of the Commissioner can affect the credibility of the Commission’s work and that of the Commissioner adding that government expects the Auditor-General to complete its audit within the shortest possible time. 

It cautioned heads of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as heads of institutions that rely on public funds that they will be held accountable for any misapplication and inappropriate use of public funds, as well as any infringements of the Financial Administration Rules. 

The statement noted that under public service regulations, all state officials who are entitled to official accommodation but have not been allocated one may only collect 20% of their salary in lieu of rent unless otherwise expressly stated in their conditions of service. 

GBC