Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has expressed concern over weak asset management at the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, following revelations that several items were issued without proper documentation.

During its sitting on Monday, March 30, 2026, the Committee examined the Ministry’s audit report, which highlighted gaps in record-keeping.

Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Atta Mills, told officials that 47 air conditioners and 16 chairs had been issued without records, calling the situation a ‘worrying sign of weak internal controls’ that could undermine accountability and lead to inaccurate audit findings.

The Committee also scrutinised a laptop listed as missing and linked to a former deputy minister.

Deputy Minister Sampson Ahi explained that the laptop was not lost but had been with the ministry’s IT unit for repairs.

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Chief Director Noah Tumfo added that at the time of the audit, officials were unable to immediately trace the device, prompting its classification as missing.

The PAC Chairman described the situation as troubling, warning that poor record-keeping could unfairly damage the reputations of public officials.

“You tarnish a minister’s name, and it now comes up that the laptop was with the IT department,” he said, noting the absence of a proper audit trail for the Ministry assets.

Ahi acknowledged the lapses and assured the Committee that measures would be taken to strengthen inventory controls and documentation.

The Committee is expected to highlight these issues in its report to Parliament as part of ongoing efforts to enforce accountability in public institutions.

MRA/VPO

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