Togo’s Covid-19 Fund: Court of Auditors Exposes Alarming Irregularities 🚨

Significant Financial Irregularities in the Management of Togo’s Covid-19 Response and Solidarity Fund (FRSC)

In a scathing report released at the end of last month, the Togolese Court of Auditors revealed significant financial irregularities in the management of the country’s Covid-19 Response and Solidarity Fund (FRSC), sparking widespread outrage among the population.

Detailed Findings of the Audit Report 📈

The 86-page report detailed a series of questionable expenditures from the fund, established by the government in March 2020 in response to the first reported case of Covid-19. The fund received technical and financial support from international partners, including the European Union, IMF, and World Bank.

Misallocated Funds 🚫

The audit report exposed that some payments, out of the 108 billion FCFA (165 million euros) spent in 2020, were made for non-priority expenditures or had no direct links to the implementation of Covid-19 response measures.

Cash Transfers to Ineligible Recipients 🤔

Furthermore, instances of cash transfers intended for the poorest segments of the population were distributed to ineligible individuals, casting doubt over the efficiency and fairness of the distribution process.

Contentious Expenditures 🤑

One particularly contentious expenditure highlighted in the report was a cash outlay of 13 million euros made by the Ministry of Commerce for the purchase of 31,500 tonnes of rice. However, no records of an order for this purchase could be found, leaving many scratching their heads.

No Official Response from the Government 😔

Neither the government nor the Ministry of Commerce have yet commented on these concerning findings, leaving many in the dark and questioning the accountability of those in power.

Criticism and Frustrations Among the Public 💥

The report is generating widespread criticism on social media and in the press, as Togolese citizens express their frustrations and call for transparency and accountability.

“Scandalous management of Covid funds: the vampires of the Republic unmasked by the Court of Auditors” – Le Change

Opposition Leaders Speak Out 🗣️

Opposition figures, like MP Gerry Taama and Nathaniel Olympio, have condemned the situation, with Taama stating,

“At a time when Togolese citizens are grappling with the repercussions of Covid-19 and rising living costs, it is unacceptable for some to take advantage of the situation to enrich themselves.”

Olympio added, “There are too many people getting rich at the expense of the Togolese people. It must stop!”

A History of Contested Power 🔄

President Faure Gnassingbé, who assumed power in 2005 following the death of his father, General Gnassingbé Eyadéma, has been under scrutiny since his re-election in contested polls.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. 👀