PAC summons former Health Minister Okoe-Boye

The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has summoned former Minister of Health, Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, over the payment of GH¢20 million as mobilisation funds for a Parliamentary Service Hospital project that is yet to commence.

The summons was issued by the Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Atta Mills, who also directed the former Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Addo, and the accountant involved in the transaction to appear before the Committee.

The summons follows revelations by the Auditor-General on April 1, 2026, indicating that the amount was paid despite no physical work being carried out on the project.

According to the Auditor-General’s findings presented to the PAC, the payment was made on December 31, 2024, during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The report further noted that Dr Okoe-Boye signed the contract for the hospital project during his tenure as Health Minister.

Appearing before the Committee on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the current DACF Administrator, Michael Yamson, attributed the delay in execution to a change in the project’s location from the parliamentary enclave to the premises of National Security.

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However, the explanation did not satisfy members of the Committee, with Atta Mills insisting on further accountability.

“Okoe-Boye will also have to appear and let us know. The company that took the money should also appear... What time are they going to build the hospital?” he questioned.

Yamson explained that the agreement between the Ministry of Health and Sienna Services provided for a 15 per cent mobilisation payment out of a total contract sum of GH¢108 million, of which GH¢20 million had already been disbursed.

“Between the government, specifically the Ministry of Health, and Sienna Services, for the construction of a specialised hospital for Parliament, an agreement was reached to pay 15% mobilisation of GH¢108 million, out of which GH¢20 million was paid,” he said.

He noted that the contractor has responded to queries regarding the utilisation of the funds, but added that issues remain regarding the outstanding mobilisation component.

“We have written to Sienna Services, and they have responded to the work that was done with the GH¢20 million. There is an outstanding 15% mobilisation of the GH¢108 million that is due,” Yamson added.

JKB/BAI

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