Accra: The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has directed Mr. Ibrahim Muniru, the Deputy Head of Human Resources at the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology, to refund an amount of GHS31,847.00. This decision comes after revelations in the Auditor-General’s Report that Mr. Muniru allegedly continued to validate the salary of Mr. Abdul-Hakeem Iddrisu, an employee who had vacated his post.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Abdul-Hakeem Iddrisu was absent from work for a total of 109 working days between March and August 2024, despite receiving two absenteeism queries from his immediate supervisor. Despite these warnings, the Deputy HR allegedly continued to authorize payments, which the Committee described as a breach of financial regulations and administrative procedures.
During the Public Accounts Committee’s public hearing at Parliament House, Accra, Mr. Samuel Atta-Mills, the Ranking Member of the Committee, issued a 90-day ultimatum for Mr. Muniru to refund the money. ‘Madam [referring to the HR of the ministry], we will make it simple; whoever did the validation will pay GHC31,847.00 as ruled. Auditors make sure that the person pays. He’s in the office; he’s probably watching us. He has to pay GHC31,847.00, and we’re giving him 90 days to pay this amount,’ he stated.
Madam Abena Osei-Asare, the Chairperson of the Committee, reacted by pointing out that the situation was brought to the attention of the HR department, yet salary validation continued. The Public Accounts Committee reconvened on Monday, September 29, to continue its public hearings reviewing the Auditor-General’s report for the year ending December 31, 2024.
The Committee has been examining financial irregularities across various government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Entities appearing before the Committee include the Ghana Statistical Service, the Ministry of Health, and several others. The scrutiny of the Auditor-General’s report reflects the Committee’s dedication to financial accountability and transparency in government dealings.
The Committee has adjourned until Monday, October 27, 2025.