The recent directive from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to the Western Regional Director of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) has brought to light a significant financial discrepancy that demands attention. The PAC has ordered the regional director to refund an amount of GH¢32,620 with interest to the state, following an overpayment incident involving a retired fire officer, Elijah Ankrah.
In 2017, Mr. Ankrah, a former Station Officer 1 of the fire service, received a payment of GH¢66,337 instead of the correct amount of GH¢33,716 upon his voluntary retirement. The PAC Chairman, James Klutse Avedzi, emphasized during a sitting in Accra that the regional director's failure to recover the overpaid amount from Mr. Ankrah has compelled the committee to uphold the Auditor General's recommendation for a refund.
Delving into the details of the bureaucratic mishap, Avedzi pointed out, “If you read the recommendation, paragraph 113 of the report, the auditors say that we recommended that the Controller and Accountant General should ensure that the regional director recovers the amount with interest at the BoG prevailing rates from Mr. Elijah Ankrah, failing which the amount should be recovered from the regional director. Now the regional director has failed to recover the money from Mr. Elijah Ankrah.”
This decision by the committee to hold the regional director accountable underscores the gravity of bureaucratic lapses and financial mismanagement within government departments. It serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding financial regulations and ensuring accountability at all levels of public service.
The PAC’s intervention in this matter highlights the commitment to safeguarding public funds and maintaining transparency in financial transactions. It is imperative for government agencies to take prompt and appropriate actions to rectify such discrepancies and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly serve as a precedent for promoting financial discipline and adherence to regulations within government institutions. It is incumbent upon all public officials to exercise due diligence in managing public finances and to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in their duties.
As this issue unfolds, it is essential for all stakeholders to closely monitor the implementation of the PAC's directive and ensure that corrective measures are taken to address the root causes of such financial irregularities. Ultimately, this will contribute to fostering trust and confidence in the management of public funds and upholding the principles of good governance.
-By Neizer Gyamfi | Ghana Crimes
