The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised serious concerns over the Ministry of Labour and Employment regarding the disappearance of two government vehicles purchased over a decade ago, alongside issues surrounding accumulated interest on an outstanding payment claim.
The matter forms part of a GH¢223,127 claim highlighted in the Auditor-General’s special audit report on GH¢68.7 billion in government arrears.
According to the audit findings, the amount relates to the procurement of two Nissan Tiida saloon cars, which are currently untraceable. The report further revealed that supporting documentation for the transaction could not be found.
Appearing before the committee on 18 May, the Ministry’s Director of Finance, Mary Ninson, explained that records relating to the transaction could not be located. She added that the vehicles were “supposedly” procured in 2011, but proper documentation was missing.
She admitted that the Ministry does not have adequate records on the transaction and stated that auditors were informed during the audit process. She also noted that while some payments related to price adjustments for other items had been made, delays in settling outstanding balances had led to interest accumulation, a situation reported to the Ministry of Finance.
Mrs Ninson further disclosed that documentation relating to two air conditioners was also missing, and auditors were similarly informed. According to her, auditors later reached out to relevant institutions for clarification, but no responses were received.
On another issue involving the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, she explained that a building project had an estimated total cost of GH¢5.1 million, with GH¢4.3 million certified as work completed. She indicated that auditors accepted the certified amount but rejected the remaining balance as it related to unfinished work, a position the Ministry agreed with.
When questioned about payment verification, she said the issue only came up during the audit, after which the Ministry engaged Japan Motors and other relevant entities to clarify the transaction. However, she noted that only photocopied documents were available, with no original records.
She stressed that original documentation is essential in all payment processes, stating that photocopies alone cannot validate claims. She added that without key supporting records such as invoices, the Ministry cannot approve payments, and all outstanding claims must be backed by credible documentation before settlement can be considered.
