The 2023 Auditor General’s Report has revealed serious financial mismanagement at the Ministry of Social Welfare, exposing the misappropriation of funds meant for Hajj services.
According to the report, the Ministry failed to provide supporting documents, including bank withdrawals and relevant payment records, for a balance of US$2,982,968.25 intended for Hajj-related expenses.
The initial audit also uncovered that payments totaling US$3,392,000, allegedly spent on accommodation, catering, honorariums, and transportation for Hajj services, lacked essential documentation such as invoices, receipts, and delivery notes.
The Auditor General flagged these discrepancies as indicators of institutional corruption, prompting strong recommendations. Among them was a directive for the Ministry to provide the necessary supporting documents or refund the unaccounted amount into the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Following these recommendations, the Ministry later submitted documents justifying US$409,031.75, representing only 12% of the total amount under scrutiny, leaving US$2,982,968.25 still unaccounted for.
Beyond the Hajj funds, the report also identified irregularities in contracts related to the supply of essential items to state-run welfare facilities.
Signed contracts worth NLe 1,621,440 for the Wellington Approved School, NLe 1,238,160 for the Remand Home in Bo, and NLe 1,444,458 for the Remand Home in Kingtom were not submitted for audit inspection. The absence of these records raises concerns about pricing, payment terms, and potential financial liabilities, increasing the risk of non-delivery of goods and supplier default.
The findings from the Auditor General’s Report highlight serious governance and accountability challenges at the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Stakeholders are now calling for urgent action to ensure transparency, prevent future financial mismanagement, and hold those responsible accountable.
We tiffman dem na govment literally nor dae fraid God. Can parliament and ACC PLEASE DONTHEIR JOBS. Refunding the money is not enough, send people to jail
This is too much. That is why our country is stagnating in growth. The embezzlement is more than the work.