The Member of Parliament for Central Tongu, Alexander Gabby Hottordze has criticised the exclusion of key officials from ongoing investigations into alleged double payment irregularities, insisting that all individuals involved in the preparation and submission of the claims must be held accountable to ensure transparency and restore public confidence.

Speaking at the Public Accounts Committee on Tuesday, March 31, he questioned how a second claim could be prepared for a payment that had already been made.

He noted that although the initial payments were legitimate, the same claims were later resubmitted for processing, raising serious concerns about internal controls.

He therefore called for those responsible for compiling and submitting the duplicate claims to be identified and held accountable, stressing the need for a thorough probe into the matter.

He warned that failure to act could fuel public suspicion, stating, “Let’s try to find out those who compiled that particular one because if we don’t do it… people… will think that maybe we have something to hide.”

Explaining the internal processes, he indicated that, based on the Chief Director’s account, such claims are typically compiled by accounts and budget officers and forwarded to the Minister of Finance without passing through his office. He therefore urged that those who submitted the second claim flagged by auditors be traced.

He further questioned the accountability of the officials involved, wondering whether those responsible were still at post or had been reassigned without consequence. He clarified that his primary concern was not whether a double payment had been made, but rather the processes that allowed a second claim to be prepared in the first place.

Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, he stressed that although the first payment had been duly made, a second claim was nonetheless prepared and would have been processed if it had not been intercepted.

He demanded accountability, asking, “Who did that? … Who did the compilation?” and warning that such lapses could lead to financial loss if left unchecked.

He cautioned that if individuals responsible for such actions are not held accountable, they could simply be transferred to other ministries and continue similar practices. He also pointed to possible gaps in oversight, noting that weaknesses in auditing could allow such irregularities to pass undetected.

The MP further expressed concern about the reputational impact of such incidents, observing that public officials’ actions often lead to criticism being directed at politicians, even when they may not be directly responsible.

Calling for urgent action, he said the development points to deeper systemic challenges, urging authorities to summon those involved to explain why a second claim was prepared despite the original payment having already been made.

He concluded with a warning that failure to address the issue decisively would only encourage its recurrence.