Public Accounts Committee orders repayment of wrongful allowance

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the recovery of GH¢17,703.28 from a Donkorkrom teacher, Mr Stephen Akomeah, who allegedly wrongfully received a transport allowance meant for physically challenged teachers for three years.

The allowance, intended to support teachers with disabilities, was paid despite Mr Akomeah having no known disability.

Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, appearing before PAC on Friday at Parliament House, Accra, described the incident as a “serious act of criminality” that should have been reported earlier.

“Madam Chair, these are very worrying exposés—a clear act of criminality in the first instance, which ought to have been reported,” he stated.

Dr Apaak expressed concern over the alleged lack of records at the Ministry regarding the wrongful payments.

The PAC Chairperson, Madam Abena Osei-Asare, ordered the Donkorkrom District Education Director and the District Accountant to recover the full amount within 30 days.

“That notwithstanding, we want the money recovered… Within 30 days, GH¢17,703.28 must be paid into the Auditor-General’s Recovery Account,” she directed.

According to her, the incident highlighted systemic lapses in the education sector.

The PAC public hearing, which began on August 19 and will run until August 26, is examining the Auditor-General’s report on MDAs for the year ended December 31, 2024.

The recovery of the wrongful payment is part of the PAC’s efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.