MONROVIA: The former management team of Liberia’s Executive Protection Service (EPS), admitted to failing to provide proper financial records and detailed ledgers for six years due to insufficient staff training and the absence of computerized software.
A recent report by the General Auditing Commission (GAC), revealed that from July 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023, millions of dollars were misused.
The funds which were expended without adequate documentations were primarily intended for employees compensation, goods, services, and capital expenditures, totaling $64.46 million.
The audit found that the completeness and accuracy of revenue and expenditures were not assured, questioning the accountability of EPS activities.
“We acknowledge Management’s acceptance of our findings and recommendations. We will follow up on the implementation of our recommendations during subsequent audits,” stated Auditor General P. Garswa Jackson.
The audit found that the then Weah-led administration authorized disbursements exceeding the approved National Budget, potentially causing underfunding for other government entities.
The report highlighted breaches of financial discipline under the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act, including the lack of Quarterly Budget Performance Reports and unauthorized overspending of $12.18 million beyond the approved budget without the Legislature’s approval.
The audit found that the EPS operated without evidence of supplementary or recast budgets, and warned that such unauthorized disbursement might lead to underfunding other government entities.
The report stated: “Management is in breach of financial discipline in line with Regulation A.20 of the PFM Act of 2009 as Amended and Restated 2019.”
It emphasized that identified gaps should guide future revenue receipts and disbursement activities, stressing the need for well-documented periodic budget performance reports to facilitate future reviews.
The EPS management acknowledged the findings, citing strict confidentiality and security protocols limiting financial disclosure.
They reiterated their commitment to implementing the recommendations within their operational requirements.
