The Public Accounts Committee Demands Immediate Action from Koforidua Technical University
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has issued a stern warning to the management of Koforidua Technical University (KTU). The committee has given the university a 90-day ultimatum to recover GH¢800,000 in funds that were allegedly misused due to salary-related infractions. This directive comes after an investigation into the financial practices of the institution revealed serious discrepancies.
According to the Auditor-General’s Report, five staff members were found to have received salaries for nearly two years while being absent from their duties. Some of these individuals were reportedly outside the country or on unauthorized study leave. This situation has raised concerns about the internal controls and accountability mechanisms within the university.
During a public hearing held at Parliament House in Accra, Professor Richard Ohene Asiedu, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of KTU, disclosed that the university had managed to recover less than GH¢20,000 despite extensive efforts to contact the affected staff. This revelation was met with frustration by the PAC members, who criticized the university for what they described as negligence and weak internal controls.
Mr. Samuel Atta Mills, the Ranking member of the PAC, voiced his dissatisfaction with the university’s performance. He stated, “This is government money—our money. GH¢817,000 on separated staff, and yet you cannot contact any of these people or produce a payment plan. It looks to me like planned chaos.”
Mills further alleged a “conspiracy to defraud the state,” pointing out that three of the affected staff members did not sign bonds requiring them to return after their study leave. This lack of adherence to formal procedures has intensified the committee’s concerns about the integrity of the university’s financial practices.
In response to these findings, Mr. Atta Mills directed KTU to recover the funds within 90 days. He warned that the management would be held personally responsible if the deadline was not met. His statement emphasized the urgency of the matter: “We will make it easier for you. We want you to collect these monies in 90 days. However, you do it, with all your lapses and everything—you have guarantors out there. Within 90 days, we want our money.”
The PAC’s intervention highlights the broader implications of financial mismanagement in public institutions. The committee’s actions underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. It also serves as a reminder that such issues can have far-reaching consequences, not only for the institutions involved but also for the citizens whose taxes support these organizations.
As the 90-day period begins, the pressure is on KTU to demonstrate its commitment to rectifying the situation. The university must now take immediate steps to recover the funds, implement stronger internal controls, and ensure that such incidents do not occur again. The outcome of this process will be closely monitored by the PAC and the public, who expect a swift and effective resolution.