The Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has questioned the Ghana Health Service (GHS) over the conduct of a Transport Officer at the Northern Regional Health Directorate. The officer, Timothy Banzaazi, allegedly sold seven state-owned vehicles without authorisation. The Auditor-General cited Banzaazi over the transactions, which involved GH¢13,803 in proceeds that were initially not accounted for. The committee is examining the Auditor-General's findings and the actions taken by the GHS.
Appearing before the PAC, Director-General of the GHS, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said the officer disposed of the vehicles without informing the appropriate authorities. He explained that Banzaazi had accounted for the proceeds from three of the vehicles, while four of the seven vehicles had been returned. The Director-General revealed that the total amount from the sale of the three vehicles was GH¢13,803.
Professor Kaba Akoriyea said the matter had been referred to the police as a criminal case, while the GHS also initiated its own disciplinary proceedings against the officer. The officer has been suspended temporarily, and he was required to pay the full amount. The Director-General's explanation was met with criticism from PAC Ranking Member Samuel Attah-Mills, who argued that a temporary suspension was inadequate given the nature of the alleged misconduct.
Samuel Attah-Mills criticised the disciplinary action, questioning why the officer was not in custody after allegedly disposing of government vehicles without approval and failing to account for the proceeds. He expressed concerns that the temporary suspension imposed by the GHS might not be sufficient punishment for the alleged unauthorised disposal of seven state-owned vehicles.
The sale of the seven state-owned vehicles without authorisation has raised concerns about the level of oversight and accountability within the GHS. The PAC is expected to consider the matter further as it examines the Auditor-General's findings and the actions taken by the GHS. The committee's scrutiny aims to ensure that public funds and assets are properly managed.
The GHS has taken steps to address the issue, including referring the matter to the police and initiating disciplinary proceedings against the officer. However, the PAC's concerns suggest that further action may be needed to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case highlights the need for effective internal controls and accountability mechanisms within public institutions.
The Public Accounts Committee's probe into the unauthorised sale of state vehicles is part of its broader oversight role. The committee's examination of the Auditor-General's findings will help to determine whether the GHS has taken adequate measures to address the issue and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Key points
- The Ghana Health Service's transport officer sold seven state-owned vehicles without authorisation, generating GH¢13,803 in proceeds.
- The officer has been temporarily suspended and required to pay the full amount, but the PAC has questioned the adequacy of this disciplinary action.
- The Public Accounts Committee will continue to examine the matter as part of its oversight role, seeking to ensure accountability and proper management of public funds and assets.
