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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has questioned the Ministry of Labour and Employment over the disappearance of two vehicles purchased over a decade ago, which has led to accumulated interest on the outstanding claim.
The issue relates to a GH¢223,127 payment claim highlighted in the Auditor-General’s special audit report on GH¢68.7 billion in government arrears. The report notes that the two Nissan Tiida saloon cars, procured in 2011, cannot currently be traced, and supporting documentation for the transaction is unavailable.
Appearing before PAC on 18 May, the Ministry’s Director of Finance, Mary Ninson, explained that records for the purchase could not be located. She admitted that the Ministry lacked adequate documentation and had informed auditors of the situation during the audit.
Mrs. Ninson further clarified that while some payments for price adjustments on other items had been made, delays in settling the outstanding amounts had led to interest accumulation, which had been communicated to the Ministry of Finance. She also noted that records for two-horsepower air conditioners could not be traced, and auditors had been informed.
When auditors sought clarification from relevant institutions, no responses were received.
On a separate matter concerning the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Mrs. Ninson explained that a building project, estimated at GH¢5.1 million, had GH¢4.3 million certified as completed. The auditors accepted the certified amount but rejected the remaining balance for unfinished work, a position the Ministry agreed with.
Regarding verification of partial payments, Mrs. Ninson said the issue arose during the audit. The Ministry engaged Japan Motors and other parties to clarify the transaction, but only photocopied documents were provided—no originals.
She stressed the importance of original documentation in the payment process, noting that photocopies alone cannot validate claims. Without key records such as invoices, the Ministry cannot approve payment, and all outstanding claims must be backed by credible documentation before settlement.
Story by Efua Nessa
Source: Loco tv