The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has referred Mr Jacob Ahadzi, the Director of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Finance, to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution over breaches of the Public Procurement Act.

The Committee’s decision followed Mr Ahadzi’s admission that the ministry awarded contracts worth GH¢1.3 million without the approval of the entity tender committee.

“We have no choice but to recommend you to the Attorney-General for prosecution. When it comes to procurement, we are not going to compromise,” Mr Samuel Atta Mills, Ranking Member of the Committee, said at Monday’s public hearing.

He said, “We will not tolerate any irregularities in procurement processes.”

Mr Thomas Ampem Nyarko, a Deputy Finance Minister, led the Ministry of Finance, the Controller and Accountant-General Department, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and other agencies under the ministry to appear before PAC to answer some questions on infractions highlighted in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report.

The PAC public hearing, which began on Tuesday, August 19, ended on Monday, August 25.

The PAC is expected to reconvene on Monday, September 29, to examine the Auditor-General’s report on MDAs for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Madam Abena Osei Asare, the Chairperson of PAC, announced after Monday’s public hearing in Parliament House, Accra.

The Committee also raised concerns about issues involving the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the recovery of certain funds.

Mr Ahadzi presented evidence of a refund of GH¢6,400 by the GSS into the Auditor-General’s recovery account, but the Committee questioned why the Internal Audit Directorate was presenting evidence on behalf of the GSS.

“Have you furnished the Auditor-General with this information?” Mr Atta Mills asked.

Mr Ahadzi conceded that he had not, explaining that the GSS was supposed to submit the documentation itself.

The PAC therefore directed the GSS to appear before it in person to provide its own responses, adding that “If they were able to send you the evidence, let them come. We have helicopters available to bring them,” Atta Mills remarked, emphasizing the Committee’s commitment to accountability and transparency.

“Our actions as PAC demonstrate our commitment to upholding accountability and transparency in public procurement processes,” the Ranking Member stated.