In a recent parliamentary session, the National Sports Authority (NSA) faced intense scrutiny over internal conflicts, particularly concerning the undermining of the Head of Accounts by his deputy. This discord has raised significant concerns about the management and financial oversight within the NSA.
According to Ghana web, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, during its review of the NSA’s financial statements, uncovered that the Head of Accounts had been systematically undermined by his deputy for eight months following his appointment. This revelation came to light during a session where both the Director-General of the NSA, Professor Peter Twumasi, and the chief accountant were questioned about discrepancies in the Authority’s financial practices.
The PAC, chaired by James Klutse Avedzi, interrogated the NSA officials regarding the lodging of funds into different accounts without proper authorization. The chief accountant admitted to depositing cheques into various accounts, including those in Accra and Kumasi, without the explicit approval of the Head of Accounts. This practice not only contravened standard financial protocols but also highlighted a significant breakdown in the chain of command within the NSA’s financial department.
Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nartey George, expressed his astonishment at the lack of adherence to established financial procedures. He questioned the rationale behind the unauthorized lodgment of funds and emphasized the potential risks such actions posed to the integrity of the NSA’s financial operations.
The Director-General, Professor Twumasi, attempted to provide explanations but struggled to justify the irregularities. The PAC chairman, visibly dissatisfied with the responses, recommended a comprehensive forensic audit of the NSA’s accounts to identify the root causes of these discrepancies and to implement corrective measures.
This internal strife within the NSA is not an isolated incident. Similar issues have plagued other governmental agencies. For instance, Adongo Atule Jacob, appointed by President John Dramani Mahama as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), reported being prevented from assuming his duties by unidentified individuals. Such incidents underscore a broader pattern of internal conflicts and power struggles within public institutions, which can severely impede their functionality and service delivery.
The situation at the NSA serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for clear hierarchical structures and adherence to established protocols. Undermining authority not only disrupts organizational harmony but also jeopardizes the institution’s credibility and effectiveness.
As the NSA undergoes this period of introspection and potential restructuring, it is imperative for the leadership to address these internal conflicts decisively. Implementing stringent oversight mechanisms, fostering open communication channels, and ensuring that all staff members adhere to their defined roles and responsibilities are crucial steps toward restoring order and trust within the organization.
In conclusion, the undermining of the Head of Accounts by his deputy within the National Sports Authority highlights significant managerial and operational challenges. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is essential to safeguard the integrity and functionality of the NSA and other similar public institutions.