Joe Gyaten, a driver at the Auditor-General’s office, is under investigation for failing to deliver contraceptives worth GH¢1.34 million.
This was captured in the latest 2023 Auditor-General’s Report on the public accounts of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), which uncovered more than GH¢2.41 billion in financial irregularities in 2023.
According to the report, the consignment failed to reach their intended destination at the Regional Medical Stores (RMS) in the Eastern Region.
The irregularities were uncovered through the Temporary Central Medical Stores Requisition and Issue Voucher, numbered MOH/GHS 308088, and dated August 22, 2022.
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The missing supplies include three million male condoms and other essential reproductive health commodities.
On August 22, 2022, driver Joe Gyaten was assigned to deliver a shipment of contraceptives, including 120,000 vials of Depo-Provera, a birth control medication, to the Regional Medical Stores.
The investigation also revealed that a follow-up check at the Regional Medical Stores confirmed that Mr. Gyaten did not deliver the contraceptives to the storage facility as expected.
To date, Mr. Gyaten has failed to explain what happened to the missing contraceptives. This has led the Auditor-General to investigate and attempt to recover the associated costs, as required by the Public Financial Management Act (2016). The Act mandates the recovery of public funds in cases of mismanagement or misappropriation.
According to Section 96 of the Public Financial Management Act, anyone responsible for managing or controlling government assets, including stores, is accountable for any losses, damage, or destruction.
If found guilty, they may face imprisonment or fines. This section of the Act holds individuals accountable for their actions and ensures responsible management of public resources.
Ministry of Health’s Position
According to the report, the MOH responded that it had referred the matter to the Health Intelligence Unit for further investigation.
The Health Intelligence Unit is working closely with the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service to investigate the issue.
Auditor-General’s Recommendation
The Auditor-General, therefore, directed the Chief Director of the Ministry of Health (MOH) to ensure that the Head of the Temporary Central Medical Stores recovered the amount of GH¢1.34 million from the delivery officer.
The report also recommended that the recovered funds should be paid into the Auditor-General’s Recoveries Account at the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
It said failure to comply would result in the Chief Director and the Head of the Temporary Central Medical Stores being held personally liable for the debt.
The officials will be responsible for paying the amount if Mr Gyaten fails to refund the money.
