The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has referred the EP College of Education in Bimbilla to the Attorney-General’s Department for possible prosecution over its inability to account for more than GH¢1.3 million in unsupported payments cited in the Auditor-General’s Report.
The decision was taken during the Committee’s first zonal public hearing held in Tamale to consider the Auditor-General’s 2024 Report.
Vice Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Atta Mills, who was chaired the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided by officials of the college, led by the principal, directed the Committee Clerk to initiate processes to refer the matter to the Attorney-General.
The College finance officer, Osman Fuseini, was among officials who appeared before the Committee to respond to the audit queries specifically cited for the infracction.
The Committee has also directed the Nanumba South District Assembly to refund GH¢19,772 within 30 days. According to the Committee, the amount should be retrieved from the Finance Officer, Internal Auditor, and other officials responsible at the time, for failing to provide payment vouchers during the audit period.
The Auditor-General’s Report further revealed that the Assembly spent GH¢60,000 to organise a durbar in July 2024. However, the Committee exempted the current District Chief Executive (DCE) from the sanctions after his appeal for clemency on behalf of the officers was rejected.
Speaking to the media, Chairperson of the Committee, Abena Osei-Asare, acknowledged some improvements in public financial management but noted that mismanagement of public funds remains a concern.
She stressed that citizens have a right to know how their taxes are being utilised by public institutions, including Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
Madam Osei-Asare called for attitudinal change among public officers and warned that sanctions would continue to be imposed on those who violate public procurement laws and financial management regulations.
Hon. Abena Osei-Asare (middle)
She added that the Committee would not hesitate to refer public officials to the Attorney-General for serious infractions identified in Auditor-General’s reports.
Responding to concerns about her visible anger during some of the hearings, the PAC Chairperson explained that it stemmed from the nature of explanations given by some public officials.
“Sometimes when you listen to the explanations and responses, you ask yourself if the money belonged to them, would they have acted the same way?” she questioned.
She added that expressing such emotions reflects the seriousness of the issues at hand. “As humans, we are allowed to show emotions, especially when dealing with matters of public interest,” she said.
