A company cited in Ghana’s latest audit report has refunded millions to the state, in what officials describe as an early sign of progress in efforts to recover public funds.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem told the Public Accounts Committee that Rans Logistics has returned GH¢19.1 million after being flagged for overpayments linked to the transportation of grains.
Addressing the Committee on March 30, Mr Ampem said the refund followed the presentation of the Auditor-General’s report to Parliament on March 10, which detailed financial irregularities amounting to GH¢68 billion and recommended further scrutiny.
He noted that within a week of the report’s submission, Rans Logistics responded by refunding the amount cited.
However, the Deputy Minister clarified that the GH¢19.1 million does not represent the full extent of the infractions identified. According to the audit findings, the company also received excess payment in the form of more than 7,000 metric tonnes of rice, the value of which is yet to be recovered.
Mr Ampem indicated that steps are underway to address all outstanding issues, with the Attorney-General’s Department currently reviewing the matter to determine appropriate legal and administrative actions.
He emphasised that the development demonstrates the importance of the Auditor-General’s work in ensuring accountability and safeguarding public resources, adding that the audit process is already beginning to yield tangible results.
