Government has welcomed the decision by the Auditor General to conduct an audit into the use of state funds by the Commissioner of Human Right and Administrative Justice, Lauretta Vivian Lamptey.

A statement signed by Communications Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Monday September 22, said although government recognizes the independence of CHRAJ, it is important that the Commissioners and staff of the anti-graft agency realizes that they are funded by the tax payer.

“We must also be mindful of the fact that the Commission and other such bodies are funded by tax revenue, and allegations of misuse of such funds must be looked into” it stated.

The statement indicated that as an institution mandated by the 1992 Ghanaian Constitution to uphold the highest standards of accountability and morality, the reported claims of inappropriate use of funds and possible breach of the conditions of service of the Commissioner can affect the credibility of the Commission’s work and that of the Commissioner.

It also warned that any abuse of public funds by any state institution will be thoroughly investigated and culprits will be punished.

“All public officials, both political and non-political, are also reminded of the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders issued by President John Mahama , and are cautioned to note that should they be found to have contravened any of the country’s laws they will be made to face the consequences”, it noted.