The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over the disappearance of two vehicles purchased by the Ministry of Labour and Employment more than a decade ago, as well as the accumulation of interest on an outstanding GH¢223,127 payment claim flagged in the Auditor-General’s special audit report on government arrear
The query emerged during proceedings before the committee on May 18, where officials from the Ministry were questioned over irregularities linked to the procurement of two Nissan Tiida saloon cars reportedly acquired in 2011.
According to the Auditor-General’s report on GH¢68.7 billion government arrears, the vehicles could not be traced and supporting documentation for the transaction was unavailable.
Appearing before the committee, the Ministry’s Director of Finance, Mary Ninson, admitted that records relating to the transaction could not be located.
She explained that the vehicles were “supposedly” procured in 2011 and that the Ministry had informed auditors during the audit process that it lacked adequate documentation concerning the purchase.
Mrs Ninson further disclosed that delays in settling some outstanding claims had led to the accrual of interest over the years, despite partial payments made for price adjustments on other items. She said the Ministry of Finance had been informed of the matter.
The finance director also revealed that documents relating to the procurement of two-horsepower air conditioners were missing, adding that auditors later contacted the relevant institutions for clarification but received no response.
On another issue involving the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Mrs Ninson told the committee that a building project estimated at GH¢5.1 million had only GH¢4.3 million certified as completed work.
She said while auditors accepted the certified amount, they rejected the remaining balance because it related to work yet to be completed, a position the Ministry agreed with.
Responding to questions on how the Ministry verified that 40 percent of the payment had been made, Mrs Ninson said the issue only came to light during the audit, prompting engagements with Japan Motors and other parties involved in the transaction.
According to her, those engagements produced only photocopied documents, with no original records available.
Mrs Ninson stressed that original documents, including invoices, were essential for validating claims and approving payments, insisting that photocopies alone could not support settlement of outstanding obligations.
She maintained that all claims must be supported by credible documentation before any payments could be authorised.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
