Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yao Domelevo, has called for immediate administrative action against public officials implicated in irregularities highlighted in the latest Auditor-General’s report, stressing that decisive measures are necessary to demonstrate that misconduct in the public sector will not be tolerated.

The call comes amid ongoing discussions over the Auditor-General of Ghana’s report on government arrears and payables as of 2024, which raised concerns about the management of billions of cedis owed to contractors and suppliers.

Among the issues noted was the purchase of 10,000 metric tonnes of rice in 2024, which remains unaccounted for, prompting questions about the transparency of food distribution intended to support communities during periods of shortage.

The audit indicated that GH¢45.4 billion out of GH¢68.7 billion in submitted claims were validated for payment.

However, GH¢8.1 billion was rejected due to identified irregularities, while GH¢13.3 billion remains under review because of missing documentation, incomplete contracts, or absent third-party confirmations.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, March 14, Domelevo argued that officials implicated in the report should face immediate suspension or interdiction, even before any parliamentary investigation concludes.

“Anyone found involved in wrongdoing or malpractice should first be suspended or interdicted, and investigations carried out. If they are cleared, they can return to their roles,” he said.

He also highlighted that parliamentary committees lack the authority to enforce sanctions, meaning implementation rests with the executive, while the Attorney-General would handle investigations and potential prosecution.

“Administrative sanctions alone send a clear signal to Ghanaians that malfeasance will not be overlooked,” Domelevo added, urging that action should precede parliamentary deliberations.