The Public Accounts Committee has raised concerns over the Ministry of Labour and Employment regarding the disappearance of two government vehicles and the accumulation of interest on an outstanding payment claim.
The issue forms part of a GH¢223,127 claim flagged by the Auditor-General in a special audit report covering GH¢68.7 billion in government arrears.
According to the report, the amount relates to the procurement of two Nissan Tiida saloon cars, which currently cannot be traced, with supporting documentation also missing.
Appearing before the committee on May 18, the Ministry’s Director of Finance, Mary Ninson, said records relating to the transaction could not be located, adding that the vehicles were “supposedly” procured in 2011.
She admitted that the Ministry did not have adequate documentation and indicated that officials had informed auditors during the audit process.
Mrs Ninson further explained that although some payments related to price adjustments for other items had been made, delays in settling outstanding amounts had led to interest accumulation, a matter which had been communicated to the Ministry of Finance.
She also disclosed that documentation relating to two-horsepower air conditioners could not be traced, with auditors similarly informed of the missing records.
According to her, auditors later contacted relevant institutions for clarification, but no responses were received.
On a separate matter involving the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Mrs Ninson said the total cost for completing a building project was estimated at GH¢5.1 million, of which GH¢4.3 million had been certified as completed work.
She explained that auditors accepted the certified amount but rejected the remaining balance on the grounds that it related to unfinished work, a position the Ministry also agreed with.
When questioned on verification procedures, she said the issue emerged during the audit, after which the Ministry engaged Japan Motors and other relevant parties to clarify the transaction.
She added that only photocopied documents were available, with no original records provided.
Mrs Ninson emphasised that original documentation is essential in validating government payments, noting that photocopies alone cannot support settlement of claims.
She stated that all outstanding claims must be backed by credible supporting records, including invoices, before any payment can be approved.
