PAC refers Finance Ministry Internal Audit Director to Attorney-General over procurement breaches

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has referred the Director of Internal Audit at the Ministry of Finance, Jacob Ahadzi, to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution over breaches of the Public Procurement Act.

The decision was taken at the committee’s sitting today after Mr Ahadzi admitted that the ministry had awarded contracts amounting to GH¢1.3 million without the approval of the entity tender committee, contrary to procurement regulations.

The Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Atta Mills, who made the recommendation, cited Section 82 of the Public Procurement (Amendment) Act, which provides for sanctions against officers whose actions occasion irregularities.

“We have no choice but to recommend you to the Attorney-General for prosecution. When it comes to procurement, we are not going to compromise,” Mr Atta Mills said.

GSS

The committee raised additional concerns about issues involving the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) and the recovery of certain funds. 

Mr Ahadzi initially argued that the service had not been invited to the sitting, but had nonetheless provided responses through the Ministry of Finance. 

Mr Ahadzi went on to present evidence of a refund of GH¢6,400 by the GSS into the Auditor-General’s recovery account at the Bank of Ghana on August 12, 2025. 

While the committee accepted the proof of payment, it questioned why the Internal Audit Directorate of the Finance Ministry was presenting evidence on behalf of the GSS.

“Have you furnished the Auditor-General with this information?” the Ranking Member asked. Mr Ahadzi conceded that he had not, explaining that the GSS was supposed to submit the documentation itself.

The Committee subsequently directed that the GSS appear before it in person to provide its own responses. 

“If they were able to send you the evidence, let them come. We have helicopters available to bring them,” Mr. Atta Mills remarked.