The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Deputy Head of Human Resources at the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ibrahim Muniru, to refund GHC31,847 after authorising salary payments to an absentee worker.
The Auditor-General’s 2024 report revealed that Abdul Hakeem Iddrisu, an employee of the ministry, absented himself for 109 working days between March and August 2024, despite receiving two absenteeism queries from his supervisor.
However, Mr. Muniru continued to validate his salary payments, a move PAC described as a breach of financial regulations and administrative procedures.
During the sitting on Wednesday, October 1, PAC Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare criticised the HR officer’s conduct, stating: “You knew he wasn’t at work, his supervisor had written a query, and yet you kept paying him. All these things were brought to your attention, yet the validator kept validating.”
The committee ruled that Mr. Muniru must refund the full amount within 90 days. Ranking Member Samuel Atta-Mills added: “Whoever did the validation will pay GHC31,847.00 as ruled. Auditors, make sure the person pays. He’s in the office, he’s probably watching us; he has to pay.”
