The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called off its sitting and dismissed officials from 30 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) after the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Michael Harry Yamson, failed to appear.
The Committee, led by Chairperson Abena Osei Asare, was expected to scrutinise the Auditor-General’s report on projects executed under the District Assemblies Common Fund – Responsiveness Factor Grant (RFG).
Madam Osei Asare voiced strong disappointment at Mr Yamson’s no-show, explaining that the Committee had already deferred a previous meeting for the same reason to ensure the Administrator or a senior director could be present to answer questions that go beyond the mandate of the RFG coordinator.
She insisted the Committee would not continue proceedings without him, emphasising that PAC has the power to compel attendance.
“Mr Administrator, wherever you are, we told you last time to appear and you have refused,” she stated, adding that the Committee will petition the Chief of Staff on the matter.
The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Rita Odoley Sowah, who was at the hearing, pleaded with the Committee to go ahead, noting that Chief Executives and departmental heads from the various assemblies were present.
The Chair declined the request, saying their presence was insufficient as the queries to be addressed related directly to the management of the DACF.
She added that any expenses incurred by the assemblies for the cancelled sitting should be charged to the DACF Administrator.The 30 MMDAs were then excused without any review of the planned RFG projects.
