Public Account Committee Sitting: “Yes, I Chopped the Money” – GES Officer Confesses to Receiving GHC 15K Salary Overpayment
In a dramatic turn of events at a recent Public Account Committee (PAC) sitting, a Ghana Education Service (GES) officer boldly confessed to having received and spent a salary overpayment totaling GHC 15,000. The confession has sparked widespread concern and debate over financial oversight within public institutions.
The incident came to light during the committee’s ongoing review of financial irregularities in various state agencies. The GES officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was questioned about the substantial overpayment, which occurred due to a payroll error. In a surprising admission, the officer candidly stated, “Yes, I chopped the money,” a local expression indicating that the funds were spent.
This confession has raised significant alarm over the internal control mechanisms within the GES and other public institutions, highlighting the challenges of managing payroll and ensuring that overpayments are promptly detected and rectified. The PAC has expressed its concerns about the adequacy of current systems to prevent such errors and the apparent ease with which public funds can be misappropriated without immediate repercussions.
The officer’s unapologetic admission has drawn criticism from both the committee members and the public, with many calling for stricter penalties and enhanced measures to recover misappropriated funds. The GES has yet to release an official statement addressing the issue, but the incident underscores the broader need for improved financial governance in public service.
This case also reflects the broader issues of accountability and transparency that the PAC has been striving to address in its sittings. As the committee continues its investigations, there is hope that such public disclosures will lead to more robust safeguards and a culture of greater responsibility among public officers.
The PAC has promised to follow up on this particular case to ensure that the overpaid amount is recovered and that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken. Meanwhile, the public and various stakeholders are keenly watching how the GES will handle this matter, which has once again placed the spotlight on the critical need for financial prudence in the public sector.
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