KTU given 90-day ultimatum to recover alleged GH¢800,000 in salary scandal

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has given the management of the Koforidua Technical University (KTU) a 90-day ultimatum to recover GH¢800,000 in alleged salary-related infractions.

According to the PAC, failure to recover the said amount means management personally refunds the amount.

Per the Auditor-General’s Report, five staff members received salaries for nearly two years despite being absent from duty, with some reportedly outside the country or on unauthorized study leave.

Professor Richard Ohene Asiedu, Pro Vice-Chancellor, KTU, on Thursday during PAC’s public hearing in Parliament House, Accra, revealed that the university had recovered less than GH¢20,000 despite efforts to contact the affected staff.

Members of the PAC expressed dissatisfaction, citing negligence and weak internal controls.

Mr. Samuel Atta Mills, the Ranking member, PAC criticised the university, saying: “This is government money—our money. GH¢817,000 on separated staff, and yet you cannot contact any of these people or produce a payment plan. It looks to me like planned chaos.”

Mr. Atta Mills further alleged a “conspiracy to defraud the state,” noting that three affected staff members didn’t sign bonds requiring them to return after study leave.

He, therefore, directed KTU to recover the funds within 90 days; warning management would be held personally responsible.

“We will make it easier for you. We want you to collect these monies in 90 days. However, you do it, with all your lapses and everything—you have guarantors out there. Within 90 days, we want our money,” the Ranking member ordered.

Source: GNA

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