PAC probes missing vehicles linked to labour ministry payment claims
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has demanded answers regarding the whereabouts of two Nissan Tiida vehicles reportedly purchased by the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment in 2011, even as the Ministry continues to pursue payment from the Ministry of Finance for the vehicles.
Officials from the Ministry revealed that 40 percent of the cost of the vehicles whose current location remains unknown had already been paid.
The Ministry also indicated that two pickup trucks acquired during the same period are continuing to accumulate interest charges because outstanding payments have not been settled.
Mary Ninson, Director of Finance at the Ministry of Labour, Jobs and Employment, told the Committee that the Ministry contacted Japan Motors to verify the claims, but the company did not respond.
She explained that the Ministry lacked sufficient documentation relating to the vehicles and had informed the Auditor-General during the audit process.
“We do not have adequate records, and we communicated that to the auditors during their visit. Payments had been made, but Japan Motors claimed there were delays, resulting in additional interest charges. The Ministry of Finance was informed. However, the assets are not currently in the Ministry’s possession,” she said.
Due to the lack of supporting evidence, the Auditor-General disallowed the outstanding payment requests.
Chairperson of the PAC, Abena Osei-Asare, questioned both the disappearance of the vehicles and the legitimacy of the claims being made for payment.
“My concern is about the whereabouts of these assets they are claiming to have sold to the Ministry,” she stated. “If the vehicles cannot be traced, how can we confidently approve outstanding payments for them? We cannot endorse such claims without proof.”
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