Former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo has called for immediate actions officials implicated in irregularities highlighted in the latest Auditor-General’s report, arguing that swift measures would send a clear signal that misconduct in public service will not be tolerated.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, Mr. Domelevo said officials cited in the report should be suspended or interdicted immediately, even before Parliament completes any investigation.
“Anybody who is found complicit in doing something wrong or any malpractice, the first thing we do is to suspend you or interdict you and investigate. If, after the investigations, you are not guilty, you are asked to return and continue your job,” he said.
Mr. Domelevo pointed out that parliamentary committees generally do not have the authority to enforce their recommendations, meaning that any findings would still require action by the executive branch. He noted that the Attorney-General would ultimately be responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals found to have submitted fraudulent claims.
“The administrative sanctions alone will send a strong message to Ghanaians that it is not business as usual,” he added. “As Parliament continues its debate and the Attorney-General conducts investigations, the administrative sanctions should take the lead.”
According to Mr. Domelevo, swift disciplinary action would be the fastest way to demonstrate the government’s commitment to accountability while broader investigations proceed.
His remarks come amid growing public debate over the 2024 government arrears and payables report, which raised concerns about the management of billions of cedis in claims submitted by contractors and suppliers.
Among the issues flagged in the report is the purchase of 10,000 metric tonnes of rice in 2024 that has yet to be accounted for, prompting questions about transparency in the distribution of food meant to cushion communities during a dry spell.
The audit also revealed that GH¢45.4 billion of the GH¢68.7 billion in claims submitted by contractors and suppliers had been validated for payment. Auditors, however, rejected GH¢8.1 billion in claims due to irregularities, while GH¢13.3 billion remains under review because of missing documentation, contracts, or third-party confirmations.
