A member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Simon Akibange Aworigo, has lauded the leadership of Committee Chair, Abena Osei Asare, describing her as firm and fair, especially given the politically sensitive nature of her role.
Speaking during an interview on the Channel One Newsroom on Saturday August 23, Aworigo highlighted Asare’s impartiality in handling matters that involve members of her own government.
“I think she is doing a good job because it was her government in power. She actually defers to the ranking, Hon. Samuel Atta Mills to do that because it will not be fair for her to oversee her own people,” he explained.
Mr. Aworigo emphasised that the Chair’s conduct sets a positive example of political maturity and accountability.
“She’s been very firm. If you’ve had time to watch the hearings, you’ll realize she’s been very strong, and that is very good,” he added.
Meanwhile, Asare at the Committee’s latest sitting on Friday, August 22, ordered the recovery of GHC17,703.28 wrongly paid to Stephen Akomeah, a teacher in Donkorkrom. Akomeah was found to have received a transport allowance meant exclusively for physically challenged teachers, despite having no disability.
The case, flagged by the Auditor-General’s report, drew strong condemnation from Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, who described it as a “serious criminality” and cited systemic lapses for allowing the fraudulent payments to continue for three years.
In response, Asare directed the District Education Director and District Accountant to ensure the full amount is recovered and paid into the Auditor-General’s Recovery Account within 30 day.
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