The Chairman of the Ghana TVET Service Council and Member of Parliament for Kpando, Sebastian Deh, has renewed his commitment to strengthening accountability and building efficient public service systems following the conclusion of the Public Accounts Committee’s nationwide hearings into the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.
Describing the findings from the sittings as a “wake-up call” for public institutions, Mr. Deh said the scale of irregularities uncovered by the committee underscored the urgent need for stronger financial discipline, stricter enforcement of procurement laws and improved oversight across state institutions.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which held hearings in Accra, Tamale, Takoradi and Ada, examined audit findings involving Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), educational institutions and public boards.
Mr. Deh, who participated in the hearings as a member eager to deepen his understanding of parliamentary oversight and governance systems, said the nationwide exercise exposed systemic weaknesses that continue to drain public resources and undermine development efforts.
According to figures highlighted during the hearings, the Auditor-General flagged a staggering GH¢18.4 billion in irregularities in the 2024 report — representing an increase of GH¢9.6 billion over the previous year.
Among the major infractions cited were contract irregularities amounting to GH¢871.8 million, involving unpaid certificates, interest liabilities and abandoned projects despite payments being made. The report also uncovered tax non-compliance estimated at GH¢77 million, largely linked to unremitted withholding taxes and PAYE deductions.
Revenue leakages were also identified, with some assemblies failing to collect rent from hundreds of tenants occupying government properties, while missing assets valued at GH¢4.54 million could not be accounted for or verified during the audit process.
The report further exposed payroll irregularities, including overpayments and salaries paid to former employees who had exited the public service.
Despite the troubling findings, Mr. Deh noted that ongoing recovery efforts in some institutions offered signs of progress and demonstrated the importance of sustained parliamentary scrutiny.
“The findings show why strong oversight and financial discipline are non-negotiable,” he stressed, adding that accountability must remain central to governance and public administration.
He also backed recommendations by the Auditor-General calling for stricter enforcement of sanctions under the Public Financial Management Act and the Procurement Act, the strengthening of audit committees and the full digitisation of public procurement through the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS).
Mr. Deh pledged to champion reforms that would ensure public institutions operate transparently and efficiently while safeguarding the public purse.
“As an MP and Chairman of the Ghana TVET Service Council, I remain committed to ensuring these recommendations stay within my focus in the days ahead. Accountability and systems that work remain my priority,” he stated.
The nationwide PAC hearings are expected to inform further parliamentary action aimed at improving transparency, curbing waste and reinforcing confidence in Ghana’s public financial management system.
By: Christian Kpesese
