Fraud consultant and security expert Richard Kumadoe has called for improved documentation, proper record-keeping and stronger verification procedures in government-led evacuation exercises to prevent disputes over payments and discrepancies in official records.
Speaking on Ahotor 92.3 FM’s Adekye Mu Nsem morning show, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu, during a phone interview, Mr Kumadoe said the controversy surrounding claims of underpayment during the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa could have been avoided if every beneficiary had received an official receipt confirming the amount paid.
He explained that each evacuee should sign a receipt stating the exact amount received, with a copy retained by the responsible institution for accountability and future verification.
“I would have thought that this would have solved all this problem,” he said, emphasising the importance of a transparent and verifiable payment system.
Proper documentation is essential
Mr Kumadoe recommended that authorities compile and maintain complete records for every evacuee, including copies of passports, boarding passes, travel tickets, payment vouchers and signed receipts.
He said the documents should be properly organised and signed by the relevant officials and beneficiaries to confirm each stage of the evacuation and payment process.
According to him, such records would make it easier to establish who travelled, when they travelled, how much they received and whether the official figures accurately reflect the exercise.
He warned that inadequate documentation could create confusion and leave room for disputes and political controversy.
Date-of-birth discrepancies require careful verification
Addressing discrepancies in the dates of birth recorded in some official documents, Mr Kumadoe cautioned against relying on a single document to determine whether fraud or financial irregularities had occurred.
The document fraud expert said investigators should examine all available evidence to establish the identities of the evacuees and confirm their participation in the exercise.
He identified passport biodata, boarding passes, airline passenger manifests, embassy records and other travel documents as important sources of verification.
Investigators, he said, should establish whether each individual travelled to South Africa, returned on the stated date and appeared on the relevant passenger manifest before determining the significance of discrepancies or assessing allegations of over-invoicing and irregular payments.
Mr Kumadoe maintained that confirming the identity and physical presence of each beneficiary should be the starting point of the verification process.
Officials urged to communicate with evidence
The security expert also urged government officials responding to public criticism to remain calm and provide clear explanations supported by documentary evidence.
He said the controversy had taken on a political dimension, making it important for authorities to address concerns with verifiable records rather than appear defensive.
Mr Kumadoe further questioned why discrepancies in dates of birth and other personal details were not identified before the documents were compiled and presented publicly.
He said stronger oversight at the embassy and among officials responsible for preparing the records could have helped prevent the errors from becoming a subject of public controversy.
Accountability must be based on evidence
Mr Kumadoe urged journalists examining the evacuation exercise to ask relevant questions, scrutinise the figures and conduct basic mathematical checks when assessing claims about payments and the number of beneficiaries.
He maintained that public accountability should be pursued through evidence-based investigations rather than assumptions or political accusations.
He said the experience highlights the need for stronger administrative controls in future evacuation exercises, including individual payment vouchers, signed receipts and properly maintained travel records.
According to him, systematic documentation and transparent verification would help protect public institutions, ensure beneficiaries receive the correct payments and reduce the likelihood of similar controversies in future evacuation exercises.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah