A member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Akwasi Konadu, has assured the public that there will be no conflict of interest when the committee begins hearings into the audit report detailing suspected irregularities, falsified records, and questionable payment claims amounting to GH¢68.7 billion.

The assurance follows concerns that the current PAC chair, Abena Osei-Asare, a former Deputy Finance Minister, could face a conflict of interest when examining matters related to the previous administration.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Wednesday, March 11, Mr Konadu explained that Parliament has established procedures to address such situations.

“Whenever we are considering reports emanating from a government, any person associated with that government will not chair the committee. This is standard parliamentary procedure to ensure impartiality. So, Madam Osei-Asare will recuse herself when the committee examines matters relating to the previous administration,” he said.

He added that if the chair is ever required to appear before the committee as a witness or participant regarding any matter under review, she would also step aside from presiding over those proceedings.

Mr Konadu emphasised that the PAC has been given a three-week timeline to complete its review of the report, during which members will thoroughly assess the findings in both the audit report and the report presented to Parliament.

“We will follow proper procedure, assess all findings, present our report, and inform the public of the results. Whatever was written in the audit report and the House report is final unless additional reviewed evidence emerges to alter any findings,” he said.

The PAC member reassured citizens that the committee will uphold accountability and transparency, ensuring that all individuals cited in the report are given the opportunity to respond to the allegations.