The Public Accounts Committee(PAC) has ordered the Deputy Head of Human Resources at the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Muniru, to refund GH₵31,847.00.
This directive follows findings in the Auditor-General’s Report which revealed that Mr. Muniru continued to validate the salary of Abdul Hakeem Iddrisu, an officer who had abandoned his post.
Per the report, Abdul-Hakeem Iddrisu was absent for 109 working days between March and August 2024, despite receiving two queries from his immediate supervisor over his absenteeism.
However, the HR Deputy Head still went ahead to authorise salary payments, a decision the Committee described as a blatant violation of financial regulations and administrative procedures.
He has been given 90 days to refund the said amount.
During the sitting on Wednesday, October 1, the Committee Chairperson, Abena Osei-Asare, said, “You knew he wasn’t at work, his supervisor had written a query that had been raised, and yet you kept paying him. All these things were brought to your attention, yet the validator kept validating,” she complained.
The Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Atta-Mills, also stated, “Madam, we will make it simple; whoever did the validation will pay GHC31,847.00 as ruled. Auditors make sure that the person pays. He’s in the office, he’s probably watching us; he has to pay GHC31,847.00, and we’re giving him 90 days to pay this amount,” he said.
Source : Ohene Amponsah