The 2021 Auditor General‘s Report highlighted the Forestry Commission’s substantial loss of GH¢51 million in expenses related to goods and services, including the costs of uniforms and equipment for the Youth in Afforestation Programme.
During a hearing before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on July 19, 2023, the Commission’s CEO, John Allotey, confirmed the accuracy of the report.
The report also revealed that the youth engaged in afforestation activities were owed allowances for over a year, with the last payment made in May 2022. Allotey assured the committee of diligent efforts to settle the outstanding balance owed to the youth, contingent on timely finances released by the Ministry of Finance.
Furthermore, the Auditor General’s Report pointed out that several companies engaged with the Forestry Commission owe a total debt of GH¢6.1 million. Allotey disclosed that GH¢3.2 million had been recovered from these companies, with the Land Commission being specifically mentioned.
Additionally, the Lands Commission was cited in the report for its failure to obtain title deeds from the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) for a residential property worth GHS¢2 million, which it acquired from SSNIT. In response, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission, Jones Ofori-Boadu, assured the committee that the documentation process was well underway and would be completed within the next three months.
These revelations have raised concerns about financial management and accountability within the Forestry Commission, prompting the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament to continue its scrutiny to ensure transparency and address the identified financial challenges.