The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Abena Osei Asare, has commended officials of the Tamale Technical University (TaTU) for demonstrating strong fiscal discipline and sound financial management in the handling of the institution’s project funds.
Appearing before the Committee at Parliament House on Thursday to respond to findings in the Auditor-General’s 2023 and 2024 reports, external auditors confirmed that the university’s financial records were in good order — with no noted infractions.
According to the PAC Chair, the performance of the university’s management team, which has been in office for just over a year and four months, is remarkable.
“I think you have done a very good job,” she said. “When you appear before this Committee and your performance is commendable, we make it a point to acknowledge it — just as we do when things go wrong. You have moved from a surplus of 1.7 million to 13 million, and your current ratio has improved significantly — from 2.6 to 7.6 times — which shows that you are managing your short-term obligations effectively. That’s something worth celebrating.”
She further praised the university’s management for maintaining staff levels responsibly while ensuring that personnel costs did not exceed the revenue generated internally.
“It is impressive that even though you have added extra staff to support those on government payroll, you ensured that expenditure stayed within your income. That reflects discipline and sound judgment,” she noted.
Mrs. Osei Asare also highlighted the university’s efforts in raising its Internally Generated Funds (IGF), achieving nearly one-third of the government’s allocation.
“Government gives you 100 million, and you’ve raised almost 30 million on your own through IGF. That’s commendable. Even with project income and expenses, you’ve ensured that you never spend more than you receive. That’s financial prudence,” she said.
The PAC Chair encouraged the management of TaTU to maintain their performance and build on the progress achieved so far.
“You have an ally in us. We want you to open up Tamale for business — and a lot of that depends on the kind of leadership you’re providing. Keep it up, and continue to improve on the foundation you’ve laid,” she added.
By Alhassan S. Sadat
So TATU has all this money stuck there…. Yet the school is not in a good shape in-terms of infrastructure. Broken sockets, very limited Computers, Bad lighting systems and fans across lecture halls n hostel rooms, deteriorating roofing. Not even a single CCTV CAMERA on campus.
This is a shame to be praised at the expense of poor students. 😢