Over half of procurement irregularities recorded in 2023 came from Education Ministry

More than half of the procurement irregularities recorded in the 2023 Auditor General’s report on public accounts of Ghana came from the Education Ministry.

Out of the GH₵53.7 million recorded in procurement irregularities, as many as GH₵29.6 million, representing 55% of all irregularities.

The procurement irregularities reported are not directly from the Education Ministry itself but rather from various institutions under its jurisdiction.

The most significant issue occurred at the University of Cape Coast. The university awarded contracts for building construction totaling GH¢24,207,250.47, but these contracts were increased by GH¢25,068,241.13 to GH¢49,275,491.55—an average variation of 104%.

This change was made without the required approval from the Central Tender Review Committee, violating Section 87 of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).

The university’s management did not respond to these findings.

The Auditor General recommended that sanctions under Section 92 of the Act be applied to the responsible officers and urged the university’s management to adhere strictly to the Procurement Act in the future.

The was another also from the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), the university awarded contracts totaling GH¢414,214.34 to two firms, Maiden HealthCare Logistics and Osei Nyamekesse Supplies who did not possess licences from the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), the Pharmacy Council and Manufacturer’s Authorization to engage in the supply of essential drugs to the University.

This was also against the Procurement Act.

The Ministry featured in all irregularity types listed by the Auditor General.

Outstanding Debtors, Cash Irregularities, Payroll Irregularities, Tax Irregularities, Procurement Irregularities and Contract Irregularities.

In fact, the total irregularities recorded by the Ministry was GHS54.7 million.