PAC Ranking Member accuses Health Ministry of ‘organised crime’ over GH¢10m outstanding car loans

Parliament's Public Accounts Committee Ranking Member, Samuel Atta Mills, has accused the Ministry of Health of operating an "organized crime" operation through a car loan scheme. In a recent testimony presented on October 8, Mr. Mills expressed deep concern over the ministry's failure to recover approximately GH¢10 million in car loans. The criticism came as Health Ministry officials appeared before the committee to address concerns regarding vehicles that were provided to certain officials under the car loan arrangement.

Mr. Atta Mills highlighted that several beneficiaries who did not meet the salary requirements for driving official vehicles were still given cars. He noted that these individuals had the freedom to decide when and how they would repay their loans. This arrangement, according to Mr. Mills, was a clear case of systematic misconduct and should be classified as "organized crime," especially when the Minister of Health is perceived to be endorsing such practices.

He raised questions about the rationale behind the scheme and expressed worry over how the ministry intends to recover outstanding amounts from such beneficiaries. Mr. Mills called for a comprehensive list of individuals who have either retired or passed away without settling their loans, suggesting that some vehicles might still be in the possession of their relatives even though the payments are outstanding. He urged the Minister of Health to take immediate action to recover both the vehicles and the funds.

Mr. Atta Mills also criticized the Ministry's explanation regarding the transfer of beneficiary and vehicle lists to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). He questioned why the DVLA, an organization that did not initiate this scheme, should bear the responsibility of resolving issues originating from the Ministry of Health.

He demanded the establishment of a specialized recovery unit within the Ministry to directly pursue and recover vehicles from beneficiaries who did not meet the terms of the arrangement or failed to repay their loans.

The committee hearing brought to light issues surrounding the management and recovery of government-backed vehicle loans, particularly focusing on scenarios where beneficiaries have retired, died, or were reported to be non-compliant with repayment obligations.