Former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo is calling for swift administrative action against public officials implicated in irregularities contained in the latest report from the Ghana Audit Service, insisting that decisive steps are necessary to demonstrate that wrongdoing in the public sector will not be tolerated.

His comments come at a time when public debate is intensifying over the Auditor-General’s report on government arrears and payables as of 2024.

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The report has raised serious questions about the management of billions of Ghana cedis owed to contractors and suppliers across the country.

One of the concerns highlighted in the report involves the purchase of 10,000 metric tonnes of rice in 2024, which auditors say cannot currently be accounted for.

The development has triggered concerns about the transparency surrounding food distribution that was meant to support communities during periods of shortage.

The audit also revealed that out of GH¢68.7 billion in claims submitted for payment, only GH¢45.4 billion was validated.

Meanwhile, GH¢8.1 billion was rejected due to various irregularities, while GH¢13.3 billion is still under review because of missing documentation, incomplete contracts, or the absence of third-party confirmations.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, March 14, 2026, Domelevo argued that officials mentioned in the report should not remain in office while investigations continue.

“Anyone found involved in wrongdoing or malpractice should first be suspended or interdicted, and investigations carried out. If they are cleared, they can return to their roles,” he said.

Domelevo further explained that while Parliament may review such reports, it does not have the authority to impose sanctions on implicated individuals.

According to him, the responsibility for implementing administrative measures rests with the executive branch, while the Office of the Attorney General of Ghana would be responsible for conducting investigations and pursuing any necessary prosecutions.

“Administrative sanctions alone send a clear signal to Ghanaians that malfeasance will not be overlooked,” Domelevo added, urging that action should precede parliamentary deliberations.

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His remarks add to growing calls for accountability and stronger enforcement of financial regulations in Ghana’s public sector, as stakeholders continue to scrutinise how public funds are managed.

NA/AE

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