PAC disappointed by Agric Ministry’s failure to present key witnesses in GH¢69bn special audit inquiry

The Chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Abena Osei-Asare, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for its failure to bring key witnesses to a special audit inquiry into GH¢69 billion in outstanding government claims. Mrs Osei-Asare stated that the Ministry's non-compliance has impeded the committee's progress in examining the special audit report.

During a Monday, October 12 meeting, the committee had requested the appearance of suppliers and other individuals referenced in the report. Osei-Asare revealed that the committee had previously submitted questions to the Ministry, but found their responses inadequate. They agreed that the individuals mentioned in the report would be more capable of providing necessary explanations.

Despite agreeing to a rescheduled meeting date, the Ministry requested a change because one of the stakeholders had a visa appointment on that day. The committee accommodated the change, expecting the Ministry to appear on the new date, but they did not show up. Osei-Asare criticized the Ministry's handling, stressing that public institutions should cooperate with Parliament in its oversight responsibilities.

She emphasized the need for the committee to obtain further information to clarify the audit findings and give relevant parties the chance to address concerns. The PAC insists on receiving additional explanations, as the committee needs to finalize its examination of the report. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture is expected to return with the relevant stakeholders to address the outstanding concerns.