Public Accounts Committee Orders University to Recover Over GH¢70,000 from Former Staff Member
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has issued a directive for the Takoradi Technical University (TTU) to recover over GH¢70,000 from a former staff member, Mr Bright Oduro. This decision comes after an investigation revealed that Mr Oduro violated a study bond agreement by leaving the country without fulfilling his obligations.
According to the 2024 Auditor-General’s report, Mr Oduro was granted a bonded agreement worth GH¢82,000 to pursue further studies in Canada. However, he failed to return to serve the university as stipulated in the agreement. This breach has resulted in significant financial loss for the institution and raised concerns about the misuse of public funds.
During a recent PAC session held at Parliament House in Accra, Mr Emmanuel Boadi, the Deputy Director of Finance at TTU, provided details on the university’s efforts to recover the funds. He explained that the university had taken several steps, including reaching out to Mr Oduro’s guarantors.
“Mr Chairman, we have the bond form signed by the staff and the guarantors. When he refused to return, we contacted the guarantors to retrieve the money,” Mr Boadi stated. “As of November 5, Mr Oduro had paid GH¢6,000 and agreed to pay GH¢5,000 every two weeks.”
He added that the university’s legal team is preparing further actions to enforce the recovery of the remaining amount. These measures include placing an embargo on the salaries of the guarantors if necessary.
Mr Samuel Atta Mills, the Ranking Member of the PAC, emphasized the need for the university to intensify its efforts. “Go after the guarantors. How they get the money from him is not our concern, but we are giving you 90 days to collect the amount,” he urged.
This directive is part of the PAC’s broader initiative to ensure compliance with financial accountability regulations. The committee aims to recover public funds that have been lost due to breached contracts and unfulfilled obligations. By holding institutions accountable, the PAC hopes to prevent similar incidents in the future and promote transparency in the use of public resources.
Key Details from the Investigation
- Bond Agreement: Mr Oduro was granted a study bond valued at GH¢82,000.
- Violation: He traveled to Canada for further studies but did not return to serve the university.
- Repayment Efforts: The university has made contact with Mr Oduro’s guarantors and received partial payments.
- Legal Actions: The university’s lawyer is preparing to take further steps, including salary embargoes on guarantors.
- Committee Directive: The PAC has given the university 90 days to recover the full amount.
Steps Being Taken by the University
- The university has already initiated contact with Mr Oduro’s guarantors to recover the funds.
- A payment plan has been established, with Mr Oduro agreeing to pay GH¢5,000 every two weeks.
- Legal proceedings are being prepared to enforce the recovery of the remaining balance.
- The PAC has expressed support for these actions and has urged the university to be persistent in its efforts.
Implications for Financial Accountability
This case highlights the importance of strict adherence to financial agreements, especially those involving public funds. The PAC’s intervention underscores the need for institutions to maintain accountability and ensure that all obligations are met. By taking decisive action, the committee aims to set a precedent for responsible financial management and prevent future breaches of trust.