Ranking Member of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hon. Samuel Atta-Mills, has issued a strong recommendation for several public institutions to be referred to the Attorney-General’s Department for prosecution after failing to clear audit infractions within the required timeframe.
The Ranking Member on the Committee expressed dissatisfaction that, despite repeated directives, some institutions had failed to comply with instructions to make full payments or resolve irregularities flagged in the Auditor-General’s report.
The Committee’s sitting reviewed cases involving various institutions.
“Those who hadn’t completed their assignment in 30 days — did any of them consult you or come back to you on why they hadn’t done it?” Atta-Mills questioned auditors during proceedings. The auditors confirmed that none of the defaulting institutions had returned with explanations or requests for extensions.
Frustrated by the persistent non-compliance, Hon. Atta-Mills declared: “I would recommend all those people who haven’t responded or done it within 30 days to the Attorney-General for prosecution. It’s just that simple. You have an infraction of three million, and you refuse to respond or take any action? We cannot continue like this.”
PAC Chairperson, Hon. Abena Osei Asare, echoed the concern and disappointment, noting that the Committee’s directive was for full recoveries and full payments – not partial responses.
She stressed that some institutions had only made partial payments, which did not meet the Committee’s compliance standard.
“The ruling was for full recoveries to clear these infractions from their accounts,” she emphasised, while commending Achimota Hospital for being the only institution to comply fully.
Hon. Osei Asare noted that the Committee would continue to monitor institutions that have been given extended deadlines of 60 to 90 days.
Hon. Atta-Mills added that perhaps the affected institutions would like to enjoy sitting in the courts, insisting that the Committee would not hesitate to trigger prosecution if compliance remained outstanding.
“We are recommending all of them for prosecution — it is that simple,” he stated.
PAC continues its oversight role as part of efforts to enforce accountability in the use of public resources.