The Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has questioned how millions of cedis in government payments were processed outside the country’s official financial system.

Speaking to the issue at the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, March 31, the minister called for a full-scale investigation into transactions worth GH¢3 million that were handled through the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department without going through the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).

The issue came to light following findings that the Ministry of the Interior had been cited for financial irregularities involving commitments totalling about GH¢3 million, which were paid in 2024.

A closer look at the records showed that the payments were tied to outstanding claims, but the process used to clear them has now come under serious scrutiny.

For many observers, the concern is not just about the money, but the process. GIFMIS is designed to ensure transparency and proper tracking of public funds, so any attempt to bypass it raises red flags about accountability and possible loopholes in the system.

Addressing the committee, Mohammed-Mubarak made it clear that such a situation should not occur under normal circumstances and must be thoroughly examined.

“I’m not an expert in financing, but Madam Chair, you and I know that there’s no way any payment will get to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department if it did not go through GIFMIS unless there is a way people can walk there with documentation that has not been processed through the system. So, if this has indeed happened, then it is worth investigating. For me, it is even a crime. We must get the facts and properly interrogate the process used so that we ensure it never happens again,” he said.

His comments reflect a growing concern within government circles and among the public about how strictly financial rules are being followed.

With increasing pressure for transparency in public spending, the minister’s call signals a broader effort to strengthen oversight and restore confidence in how state funds are managed.

As the investigation is expected to unfold, many will be watching closely to see whether the issue points to administrative lapses or something more serious within the system.

NA/VPO

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