PAC directs University of Ghana to recover funds from staff on extended study leave

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the University of Ghana to recover funds allegedly paid to senior staff members who went on study leave but failed to return to their posts for more than five years.

Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said the institution had already initiated steps to retrieve the outstanding amounts from the affected individuals.

“Mr Chairman, we have made some recoveries in this regard; some are fully paid, some are on payment plans, and there are a few cases where we have not made progress in contacting the individuals, for which we have sought the support of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO),” she told the Committee.

Prof. Appiah Amfo made the remarks when she appeared before the Committee on Wednesday during a public hearing at Parliament House, Accra.

She added that, apart from the study leave-related payments, the University was also recovering GH₵555,283 in unearned salaries, with some cases being pursued with EOCO’s assistance.

The Committee urged the University to expedite the recovery process and strengthen internal monitoring systems to prevent similar financial irregularities in the future.

The directive forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and prudent management of public funds within Ghana’s tertiary institutions.