Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem has revealed that a recent government audit has already led to the recovery of GH¢19.1 million from a private company, underscoring what he describes as the critical role of audits in safeguarding public funds.
Addressing Parliament on Monday, March 30, the Deputy Minister said the refund was made by Rans Logistics, a company cited in the audit for alleged overpayments linked to the transportation of grains.
According to him, the company issued the refund exactly one week after he presented the audit findings to lawmakers on March 10 and referred the matter to a parliamentary committee.
He explained that the audit uncovered financial irregularities involving payments made to the company, prompting swift action after the findings were made public. “This is to show that the audit was necessary and is already achieving its purpose,” he said.
However, Mr Ampem noted that the GH¢19.1 million refund represents only part of what is owed to the state. The audit report also indicated that Rans Logistics had been overpaid in kind, receiving more than 7,000 metric tonnes of rice beyond what was due.
He said the government is now expecting the company to refund the full value of the excess rice supplied, in addition to the cash already returned.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney General is working with its legal team to determine the appropriate course of action regarding other infractions identified in the audit.
The Deputy Minister stressed that the ongoing process demonstrates the government’s commitment to accountability and the protection of public resources, adding that further recoveries and possible sanctions may follow as investigations continue.
