Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has ordered the recovery of more than GH¢17,000 ($1,400) in disability-related transport allowances mistakenly paid to a physically able teacher over a nearly three-year period, according to findings from the Auditor-General’s 2024 report.
Stephen Akomeah, a Senior Superintendent II stationed at Adeemmra R/C Primary School in the Eastern Region, received GH¢17,703.28 in Physically Challenged Transport Allowances between June 2021 and May 2024, despite having no disability, the report said.
The payments, intended to support physically challenged public sector employees with transportation costs, were disbursed under the oversight of the Donkorkrom District Education Office. The Auditor-General's report recommended immediate recovery of the funds—plus interest calculated at the prevailing Bank of Ghana rate—and payment into a designated government recovery account.
Officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES) in Donkorkrom were summoned before PAC on Friday, where they failed to clarify how Akomeah was classified as eligible for the allowance. The inability to produce documentation or justification prompted a stern directive from PAC Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare.
“The District Director must ensure the full recovery of the amount, including accrued interest, within 30 days,” Osei-Asare said during the hearing. “Failure to do so will result in the Director personally refunding the total sum.”
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about payroll integrity and oversight within Ghana’s public education sector. The PAC continues to scrutinize similar anomalies flagged in the Auditor-General’s broader review of public accounts.
