The Walewale MP, Dr Mahama Tiah Abdul-Kabiru, has called for thorough investigations into concerns raised in the Auditor-General’s report on government arrears and payables, stressing that the Minority would support full disclosure if the claims are proven to be accurate.

The report, which was presented to Parliament on Tuesday, March 10, examined GH¢68.7 billion in claims submitted by contractors and suppliers as outstanding government payments as of the end of 2024. It was laid before the House by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem on behalf of the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.

Among the issues highlighted in the audit was the reported purchase of 10,000 metric tonnes of rice in 2024 that could not be accounted for.

The development has raised concerns about transparency in the handling and distribution of food supplies intended to cushion communities affected by the recent dry spell.

The report further indicated that following a verification exercise, claims amounting to GH¢45.4 billion had been validated for payment to contractors and suppliers.

It also suggested that about 35 contractors engaged under the Agenda 111 hospital project allegedly received approximately US$7.9 million in mobilisation funds but failed to commence work or mobilise adequately to their project sites.

Addressing the matter during an interview on Channel One TV on Wednesday, March 11, Dr Abdul-Kabiru said that although the Minority believes parts of the report contain “half-truths”, any confirmed irregularities must be subjected to proper scrutiny and legal action where necessary.

He emphasised that if investigations establish wrongdoing, those responsible must face sanctions under the law.

“The Minister’s report is a compendium of half-truths. There are certain issues in the report that, if they are true, we support full disclosure, we support full investigation, and those people found culpable should be made to face the full rigour of the law,” he stated.

Dr Abdul-Kabiru specifically referred to the dry spell intervention programme supported by the World Bank, which the report suggested may have revealed certain irregularities.

He argued that such matters should be referred to the appropriate investigative bodies for independent examination.

The lawmaker also questioned why the matter was being discussed publicly when, according to him, the full report had not yet been formally presented to Parliament.

“But in any case, why is it that the Minister is talking about this thing when the report itself is not before Parliament? They are trying to fit in some political agenda and political narrative,” he said.

According to the Deputy Finance Minister, government had paid for a total of 34,000 metric tonnes of rice as part of measures introduced to address the effects of the dry spell.

However, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture reportedly received and distributed only 24,000 metric tonnes, leaving 10,000 metric tonnes yet to be accounted for despite full payment having been made.