The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed concern over the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s inability to account for two vehicles reportedly procured more than a decade ago, as well as the mounting interest on an outstanding financial claim linked to the transaction.
The matter is part of a GH¢223,127 payment flagged in the Auditor-General’s special audit report on GH¢68.7 billion in government arrears.
The audit revealed that the amount was tied to the procurement of two Nissan Tiida saloon cars, which remain untraceable, with no supporting documentation available.
Appearing before the committee on May 18, the Ministry’s Director of Finance, Mary Ninson, admitted that records relating to the transaction could not be found, noting that the vehicles were “supposedly” procured in 2011.
She explained that while some payments connected to price adjustments for other items had been made, delays in clearing the remaining amounts had resulted in additional interest charges.
The Ministry of Finance, she added, had been informed of the situation.
Mrs. Ninson further disclosed that documents relating to the procurement of two-horsepower air conditioners were also missing.
She said auditors had sought clarification from relevant institutions but received no responses.
On a separate issue involving the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, Mrs. Ninson explained that the completion cost of a building project was estimated at GH¢5.1 million, of which GH¢4.3 million represented certified completed work.
Auditors accepted the certified amount but rejected the remaining balance, which related to unfinished work—a position the Ministry supported.
When questioned about how the Ministry verified that 40 percent of a payment had been made, Mrs. Ninson said the matter only came to light during the audit.
Subsequent engagements with Japan Motors and other parties yielded only photocopied documents, with no originals available.
She stressed that original documentation, including invoices and supporting records, is critical for validating financial claims and approving payments.
Without credible records, she maintained, the Ministry cannot authorise settlements, insisting that all outstanding claims must be properly supported before consideration.
