Accra, Ghana - The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) is under scrutiny following allegations of inappropriate honorarium payments amounting to GH₵28 million. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate the payments, which occurred in 2022.
The Auditor-General has described the payments as "inappropriately paid honorarium," raising concerns about the transparency and accountability of public funds within the university. During a public hearing before the PAC, university management stated that EOCO was already investigating the matter.
Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual, Vice-Chancellor of UEW, informed the committee that the university has been cooperating with EOCO and providing information as requested. The PAC has instructed UEW to document all correspondence with EOCO regarding the investigation.
Abena Osei Asare, Chair of the PAC, pressed for details on the activities that justified the substantial payments, emphasizing the need for transparency in the use of public funds. The university's Finance Officer confirmed the payments and reiterated that the matter was under EOCO investigation.
The PAC has concluded that the matter should be handed over to the Attorney-General after EOCO completes its work to ensure accountability. This directive underscores the commitment to addressing financial irregularities and upholding good governance within Ghana's educational institutions.
This development is separate from, but echoes similar concerns raised in previous years. Previously the PAC referred UEW to the Attorney-General for the recovery of GH₵28 million allegedly paid illegally to top management between 2020 and 2021. These payments were described as unbudgeted allowances and honoraria made outside the approved budget without proper documentation.
The outcome of the EOCO investigation and subsequent actions by the Attorney-General will be closely watched as stakeholders seek to ensure responsible management of public funds at UEW.