NCTC’s Financial Chaos: A threat to cardiac care in Ghana

The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC) on Monday faced scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC) for allegedly collecting unauthorized fees and paying unapproved allowances totaling GH¢973,245.93.

According to the Auditor-General’s report, the center had contravened the Fees and Charges Act by collecting fees not approved by Parliament.

“The Auditor-General has recommended that the director of the center comply strictly with the law, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in managing public funds,” the report read.

PAC on Monday, September 29, reconvened to continue its public hearings to review the Auditor-General’s report for the year ending December 31, 2024.

The Committee will, from Monday to Wednesday, October 1, scrutinize various government MDAs for alleged financial irregularities.

Among the ministries appearing before the Committee will be the Ghana Statistical Service, the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry for the Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General’s Department, and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.

The others are the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, and the Ministry of Transport.

The PAC’s scrutiny of the Auditor-General’s report highlights the Committee’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency in government financial dealings.

Mr Samuel Atta Mills, the Ranking of PAC at the public hearing, noted the development raises concerns about the center’s financial management practices and adherence to regulatory frameworks.

Meanwhile, the NCTC is already grappling with significant challenges, including a high patient load and limited resources. An estimated 8,000 new congenital heart disease cases occur annually.

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