PAC criticises Controller and Accountant General’s Department over failure to recover locked state funds

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) regarding its failure to recover substantial state funds locked up with various companies and state institutions across the country.

During a session in Parliament to examine the 2023 Auditor-General’s on the public accounts of Ghana: Public Boards, Corporations and other Statutory Institutions, the Committee stressed serious concerns.

The report revealed that a total of GH¢61 billion Ghana cedis of state funds remain uncollected, with only GH¢46 million retrieved so far.

The Auditor-General recommended that the CAGD implement a more robust tracking system to ensure that all transfers are properly recorded and easily traceable.

Appearing before the Committee, Mr. Kwasi Adjei, the Acting Controller and Accountant General, acknowledged the Department’s shortcomings but emphasized that they operate under the Ministry of Finance, providing public financial management services to the government and the general public.

He also mentioned that a joint committee team has been established between the CAGD and the Ministry of Finance to oversee the recovery of the outstanding debts.

In related proceedings, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Yussif led officers from the National Youth Authority and the National Sports Authority to respond to queries raised by the Auditor-General.

Additionally, the Ghana Water Company Limited was represented by the Deputy Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Aminu Issahaku Chinnia, who also answered questions from the Committee.

The PAC’s public hearings in Accra have concluded, and the Committee will move its proceedings to the regions next week.