The Upper East Department of Audit Service has recommended temporary closure of the Bawku office, citing the volatility of the area as a result of recent ethnic clashes. The Upper East Regional Auditor Mr. Augustine R. K. Boadu, made the recommendation at the weekend during an end of year get-together for staff of the Service in Bolgatanga. He said the prevailing situation in Bawku was threatening the staff and their families. The situation in Bawku, he stressed, did not allow for effective auditing because Audit Officers were afraid and could not freely go about their normal work. He asked Audit Officers in Bawku to report to duty at the Bolgatanga office until further notice and appealed to government to give staff of the service in Bawku hardship allowance to enable them move with their families from Bawku to the Bolgatanga Office. He stated that a recommendation letter had already been issued to the top management of the Service in Accra for the necessary measures to be taken. Mr Boadu explained that despite the floods that hit the region last year and the Bawku conflict, the service chalked some level of successes. He said the target for the Service last year was to audit 181 Ministries, Departments and Agencies but it could only audit 102, representing 56.4 per cent. Whilst commending the staff for their hard work and dedication to duty, he tasked them to work assiduously to enable the Service to achieve its target for this year. Three people were awarded for their long service and dedication to duty. They were Mr. Agumbila Ayine, Mr. Albert Sam and Mr. Anonsere Adabre. Source: GNA