Pulse logo
Pulse Region

PAC petitioned to probe GH¢52.5 billion transfer to an unknown account in 2020

The former President of the <a href="https://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/public-boards-and-corporations-embezzle-ghcent151-billion-auditor-general-report/4rdxd2b">Chartered Institute of Taxation Ghana</a> and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana, Mike Kofi Afflu, has petitioned the Public Accounts Committee, urging an investigation into the transfer of GH¢52.5 billion (equivalent to approximately US$9.1 billion) into an undisclosed account in 2020.&nbsp;
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta
Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta

Afflu's petition is in response to a letter dated October 5, 2020, from the Audit Service to the Managing Director of GCB Bank Plc, in which the Auditor-General sought an explanation for the substantial transfer.

The petition dated August 11, 2023, directed to the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, outlined his concerns and queries related to the transaction. He requests clarification on several key points:

  • The destination of the transferred funds.
  • The authorization for the transfer from the bank.
  • The account into which the funds were transferred.
  • Detailed information about the recipient’s account and any associated matters.

He stated that the average USD to GH¢ exchange rate for October 2020 was 5.77522, which made the GH¢52.5 billion equivalent to US$9,090,783 (approximately $9.1 billion). 

Afflu highlighted that if this significant sum had been properly directed to the Bank of Ghana as legally required, Ghana might not have needed the $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

His petition ultimately called upon the Public Accounts Committee, chaired by the recipient of the letter, to summon the Auditor-General for explanations and transparency. 

He underscored the importance of determining who withdrew the funds from GCB Bank Plc and the purpose behind the withdrawal.

This move is aimed at shedding light on a significant financial transaction that has raised questions about the management of public funds, and Afflu seeks to ensure accountability and clarity for the Ghanaian public.

Subscribe to receive daily news updates.