The Auditor-General is actively pursuing a driver, Joe Gyaten, who was assigned to deliver approximately three million male condoms and other contraceptives valued at GH¢1.34 million to the Regional Medical Stores (RMS) in Eastern Region.
Despite the scheduled delivery date of August 22, 2022, Gyaten failed to complete the delivery, triggering an investigation under Section 96 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), which mandates accountability for losses or deficiencies in government stores or property.
In its latest report, the Auditor-General highlighted significant financial irregularities totaling over GH¢2.41 billion across various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) in 2023.
Notably, GH¢2.06 million of these irregularities were linked to issues in stores and procurement, including the GH¢1.34 million related to the missing contraceptives.
The audit identified the discrepancy through documentation such as the Temporary Central Medical Stores Requisition and Issue Voucher No. MOH/GHS 308088, dated August 22, 2022. Subsequent investigations confirmed that the contraceptives never arrived at the RMS, raising concerns about possible misappropriation.
Consequently, the Auditor-General has instructed the Ministry of Health (MOH) to recover the GH¢1.34 million from Gyaten. Failure to comply will hold MOH officials personally liable for the debt, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.
The MOH has referred the matter to its Health Intelligence Unit for further investigation, working closely with the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department to address the issue comprehensively.