The Audit Service Commission has announced the initiation of surcharges under the new provisions of the Audit Act for government officials involved in fraud and corruption.
According to the Audit Service Commission, surcharges will be imposed on individuals found guilty of fraud and corruption, particularly those responsible for causing financial losses to the government through malfeasance, contravening existing laws.
The Audit Commission possesses the authority to issue orders to the Chief Accounts Officer in this regard.
Consequently, several government officials eligible for surcharge have already been identified. Nevertheless, they retain the right to file appeals against the imposition of such surcharges.
An appeal committee is supposed to be established for this purpose. However, the Constitutional Council has not yet appointed this committee.
Hence, the National Audit Commission has said that the execution of surcharge orders will be delayed until the committee is formally constituted.
