The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, a body tasked with scrutinizing public spending and ensuring accountability, has taken a decisive step against perceived financial impropriety within the Ministry of Finance. The committee referred Jacob Ahadzi, the ministry’s Director of Internal Audit, to the Attorney-General for potential prosecution. This action stems from Mr. Ahadzi’s admission during a PAC sitting that the ministry had circumvented established procurement regulations by awarding contracts totaling GH¢1.3 million without the requisite approval from the entity tender committee. This contravention of the Public Procurement Act, a cornerstone of transparent and accountable public spending, prompted the PAC’s intervention.
The PAC’s decision to involve the Attorney-General underscores the seriousness with which it views breaches of procurement protocols. Samuel Atta Mills, the Ranking Member of the Committee, explicitly invoked Section 82 of the Public Procurement (Amendment) Act, which outlines penalties for officials whose actions lead to procurement irregularities. This firm stance signals the committee’s commitment to upholding the principles of fiscal responsibility and deterring future violations. Mr. Atta Mills’ declaration that “we are not going to compromise” when it comes to procurement emphasizes the PAC’s determination to enforce compliance with the law. The referral of Mr. Ahadzi to the Attorney-General serves as a significant deterrent and underscores the potential consequences of disregarding procurement regulations.
Beyond the Ministry of Finance’s internal procurement issues, the PAC’s scrutiny extended to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) concerning the recovery of specific funds. Initially, Mr. Ahadzi, representing the Ministry of Finance, asserted that the GSS had responded to the committee’s inquiries through the ministry, despite not having been formally summoned to the sitting. He subsequently presented evidence of a GH¢6,400 refund by the GSS to the Auditor-General’s recovery account at the Bank of Ghana, dated August 12, 2025. This payment, while acknowledged by the committee, raised further questions about the GSS’s financial processes and the Ministry of Finance’s role in representing the agency.
The committee expressed concerns about the propriety of the Internal Audit Directorate of the Ministry of Finance furnishing evidence on behalf of the GSS. The Ranking Member pointedly questioned Mr. Ahadzi about whether this information had been shared with the Auditor-General, the independent body responsible for auditing public accounts. Mr. Ahadzi admitted that it had not, indicating that the GSS held the primary responsibility for submitting such documentation. This revelation highlighted a potential procedural lapse and underscored the importance of each entity independently fulfilling its reporting obligations.
The PAC, seeking a clearer understanding of the GSS’s financial transactions, directed the GSS to appear before the committee and provide its own account of the matter. This direct summons emphasizes the PAC’s insistence on transparency and accountability from all public entities. Mr. Atta Mills’ pointed remark about the availability of helicopters to transport GSS representatives to the committee hearing underscored the seriousness with which the PAC regards this issue and its determination to hear directly from the GSS. The committee’s proactive approach demonstrates its commitment to obtaining comprehensive information from the primary source, rather than relying on indirect communication through the Ministry of Finance.
In conclusion, the PAC’s actions demonstrate a firm commitment to upholding financial accountability within the public sector. The referral of the Ministry of Finance’s Director of Internal Audit for potential prosecution over procurement violations sends a strong message that deviations from established procedures will not be tolerated. Similarly, the committee’s insistence on hearing directly from the GSS regarding the recovered funds underscores its dedication to transparency and its determination to ensure that all public entities adhere to proper financial practices. The PAC’s diligent pursuit of these matters serves to strengthen public trust and reinforces the importance of rigorous oversight in the management of public funds.
