The Audit General report of 2024 has exposed financial mess at the National Mineral Agency as the Agency could not account for the sum NLe178, 042.5.
The report noted that payments amounting to NLe451, 185.50 were without supporting documents, including payment vouchers and other relevant documents which according to the report violate Regulation 100(1) of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2018.
The audit report noted that recruitment process were not competitive and transparent as review of minutes of the Board meeting and personnel files revealed that four mines compliance officers, three graduate trainees, and four interns attached to the Laboratory Department were approved for absorption as permanent and pensionable staff of the NMA in August, October, and December 2024 but there were no documentary evidence such as internal advertisement of vacancies, application letters, shortlisting, interview score sheets and academic certificates to confirm that relevant recruitment processes were followed pointing out that the individuals received a total salary of NLe519,374.80 in 2024.
The audit report noted with dismay that the recruitment of staff without following due recruitment process and appropriate documentation increases the risk of recruiting unqualified or unsuitable individuals into sensitive positions while recommended that the Human Resources Manager should ensure that the relevant recruitment documents are submitted for verification.
The report also questioned the Internal Audit Unit as not effective as working papers and other evidence of work done were not submitted for audit inspection and recommended that the Director of Internal Audit should submit the, internal audit reports, and working papers for reviewed.