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The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs has come under increased scrutiny following findings in the 2024 Auditor General’s Report, which highlighted unresolved issues relating to unretired imprests and undocumented bank withdrawals amounting to more than NLe11.83 million.
According to the report, the Ministry received a special imprest of NLe6,790,750 to support the organisation of the Women in Tourism Regional Congress (WITRC). Although the event was concluded by 31 December 2024, auditors noted that retirement documentation for NLe4,900,530.36 of the funds had not been submitted. In a related finding, an additional special imprest of NLe1,054,550, provided for the Tourism for All Campaign (TFA), was also not retired, bringing the total value of unretired imprests to NLe5,955,080.36.
The Auditor General recommended that the Ministry’s Accountant provide complete retirement documentation or refund the unretired amounts to the Consolidated Fund.
In response, the Ministry stated that the funds were utilised by the Tourism and Culture Directorates for their intended purposes, and that supporting documents such as concept notes, approvals, invoices and receipts were available for audit review.
However, the audit team reported that no retirement details were submitted for verification during the audit process, and the matter remained unresolved at the time of reporting.
The report also raised concerns over withdrawals from the Ministry’s imprest bank account amounting to NLe4,672,323.67, which were made without payment vouchers or supporting documentation. In addition, payment vouchers totalling NLe412,838 were found to be unsupported by key documents, including receipts, invoices and delivery notes.
In its response, the Ministry attributed the lapses to an oversight by an Account Clerk, who allegedly failed to submit all required documents. Officials further indicated that the missing vouchers and supporting records were available, and that documentation for the NLe412,838 payments including budgets, concept notes, signed beneficiary lists and activity reports had been prepared.
Despite these assurances, auditors stated that the documents were not provided for verification, leaving both findings unresolved. The Auditor General reiterated that the Accountant should submit the required payment vouchers and supporting evidence to justify the use of the funds, or otherwise ensure that the amounts are refunded to the Consolidated Fund.
The findings add to ongoing public discussions about financial management and accountability within government institutions, as authorities continue efforts to strengthen public financial controls and ensure the proper use of state resources.
