The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has set a two-week deadline for Dr. Eric Nkansah, the Director General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), to investigate and provide a report regarding a case involving the payment of unearned salaries to a sick teacher.
The committee hearing took place on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
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According to reports, the GES paid a sum of GHC 24,000.00 to a teacher who was unable to report to school due to illness, allegedly related to a spiritual disease. The teacher continued to receive a salary despite inability to fulfill duties.
Dr. Eric Nkansah appeared before the PAC and acknowledged that this was an unusual case that required further investigation.
He requested permission from the committee to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter.
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In a separate development, Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam George, raised concerns about the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, during a meeting of the PAC on January 29.
Sam George questioned why Dr. Owusu-Amoah, who is currently 62 years old, continues to hold office without a contract. The Finance Minister had previously stated that public servants reaching the retirement age would not have their terms extended.
Highlighting the Finance Minister’s statement, Sam George emphasized the need to determine whether the GRA’s Commissioner General is operating under a contract.
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He expressed the need for explanations from the Finance Minister and the President regarding this matter, especially as Dr. Owusu-Amoah has been approving multi-million-dollar contracts for the state while lacking a contract himself.
Sam George further pointed out that Dr. Owusu-Amoah’s contract expired in 2021 when he turned 60 years old.
However, he has continued to work without a contract in 2022, 2023, and now into 2024 as he approaches the age of 63.
This raises concerns about the basis for his continued role as Commissioner General of the GRA.
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The situation became even more heated when Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Asare, argued that Dr. Owusu-Amoah could not answer the question regarding his contract as it pertained to personal matters.
The PAC continues to push for accountability in these matters and expects the Director General of the GES to provide a comprehensive report within the specified two-week timeframe.