The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and MP for Ketu North, Hon. James Klutse Avedze has expressed dissatisfaction over the Auditor Generals recommendation on some Nine (9) vehicles that have been auctioned to retired staff without approval.
The PAC Chairman made the observation when officials of the Forestry Commission including the Chief Executive Officer Mr. John Allotey, Joseph Boakye, Executive Director Wild life Division, Hughes Brown, Forestry Services Division, Peter Zomelo, Acting Director of Operation, Forestry Commission, Samuel Odei, Director of Financial Education, Carl Mensah Ahadze, Compliance Manager Forestry Commission, appeared before the Public Accounts Committee Public Hearing to consider the Audit Report Of Public Boards, Corporations and Other statutory Institution for period Ended 31st December , 2022
The Chairman expressed worry concerning on infraction issues cited by the Auditor General against the Forestry Commission where Nine Vehicles were auctioned for Retired Staff without approval from the Ministry of Finance.
However, the Chairman of PAC strongly opposed the Auditors Recommendation.
He said, ‘’Auditors, I have an issue with you with this recommendation, you are not supposed to approve from the Minister for Finance ‘’.
Additionally, the PAC Chairman emphasized that the auctioned Vehicles were not in breach of the procurement law.
He was of the view that once they have informed the Board of Survey and have done evaluation before auctioning the vehicles, they do not need approval from the Ministry of Finance.
He opined that the process must be followed and the money be paid into the non-Tax revenue account.
In response, the Auditors present noted that the irregularity has been resolved with the Management of the Commission.