Northern Births Deaths Director PAC Summons: GH¢71,300 Irregularities

• Ghana's Public Accounts Committee has summoned the Northern Regional Director of the Births and Deaths Registry.
• The summons is over GH¢71,300 in withdrawals made between March 2024 and October 2025 without proper payment vouchers or supporting documents.
• Acting Registrar Samuel Adom Botchway initially claimed issues were resolved, but the PAC rejected retrospective documentation.
• The PAC demanded the Director appear by Friday with Mr. Botchway to explain the financial irregularities.
• This case highlights the PAC's strict scrutiny of public sector financial management and non-compliance with withdrawal procedures.

The Public Accounts Committee firmly rejected the Registrar's explanation, emphasizing that the subsequent production of documents does not retroactively validate transactions that failed to adhere to established financial procedures at the time of withdrawal.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Ghana has issued a summons for the Northern Regional Director of the Births and Deaths Registry to appear before it, following concerns over significant financial irregularities. This directive comes after the PAC identified withdrawals amounting to GH¢71,300 that were reportedly executed without the necessary payment vouchers and supporting documentation. The transactions in question occurred over a period spanning from March 12, 2024, to October 22, 2025, drawing sharp criticism from the parliamentary committee.

During a recent hearing on Tuesday, October 6, Samuel Adom Botchway, the Acting Registrar of the Births and Deaths Registry, faced questioning from PAC members regarding the circumstances surrounding these unauthorized withdrawals. The committee specifically highlighted two instances, involving GH¢15,800 and GH¢18,000, where crucial documentation was conspicuously absent. Mr. Botchway initially informed the committee that the outstanding issues had been resolved through the submission of payment vouchers and memoranda for approval, suggesting a retrospective attempt to regularize the transactions.

The Ghana Public Accounts Committee, tasked with ensuring accountability in the management of public funds, firmly rejected the Registrar's explanation. The PAC emphasized that the subsequent production of documents does not retroactively validate transactions that failed to adhere to established financial procedures at the time of withdrawal. This stance underscores the committee's commitment to upholding strict compliance with financial regulations, particularly concerning the handling of public funds. The scrutiny arose as part of broader hearings involving various agencies operating under the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

The committee's rigorous approach highlights a low tolerance for non-compliance with withdrawal procedures and documentation within public institutions. The PAC members pressed Mr. Botchway on the measures taken to ensure adherence to financial protocols, signaling their intent to delve deeper into the systemic issues that permitted such Births and Deaths Registry financial irregularities. This incident serves as a clear indication of the PAC's active role in monitoring public sector financial management, demanding transparency and adherence to due process.

In light of the unresolved issues, the Public Accounts Committee issued a direct order for the Northern Regional Director to appear alongside Mr. Botchway by the upcoming Friday. This directive aims to secure comprehensive explanations regarding the contentious transactions. Abena Osei-Asare, the Chairperson of the Committee, articulated the PAC's position, stating that the matter would be "stepped down for now" but that the Director must appear within the specified timeframe to fulfill their mandate. The committee's current sitting period extends from October 6 to October 20, providing a window for the required appearance.

Following the committee's firm directive, Mr. Botchway offered an apology to the PAC members and committed to ensuring the Northern Regional Director's presence to address the questions surrounding the GH¢71,300 public funds accountability. This development underscores the serious implications for public officials when financial irregularities are uncovered, reinforcing the need for robust internal controls and meticulous documentation within all government agencies. The PAC's actions send a strong message to compliance officers and legal advisors across Ghana's public sector to review and strengthen their financial management protocols, particularly in light of the ongoing Ministry of Local Government audit Ghana.

This case highlights the Public Accounts Committee's active scrutiny of public sector financial management in Ghana, indicating a low tolerance for non-compliance with withdrawal procedures and documentation. Compliance officers and legal advisors to public institutions should review internal financial controls and documentation protocols to mitigate risks of PAC summons and potential sanctions.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com