Ghana Immigration Service officers ordered to refund GH₵57,006

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed two officers from the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to refund a total of GH₵57,006 in unearned salaries by November 7, 2026. The directive follows the identification of financial irregularities within the Auditor-General’s reports. The committee issued a stern warning that the administrative officials responsible for authorizing these payments will be held personally liable if the funds are not recovered by the stipulated deadline.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, speaking during the PAC session, announced that the ministry is implementing a new human resource management system to address these recurring issues. This system is intended to enhance salary validation processes and better track staff transfers within the GIS, reducing the risk of administrative errors that lead to unearned salary payments. The minister noted that improving digital oversight is essential for maintaining the integrity of the service’s payroll.

Beyond the primary refund order, the committee revealed other significant financial discrepancies, including GH₵37,907 in excess salary payments to various officers. There were also discussions regarding the recovery of GH₵206,085 from a resigning inspector who had previously taken study leave. These findings underscore a broader need for improved financial management and accountability within the security agencies' administrative structures.

The proceedings concluded with a call from the committee for more rigorous internal scrutiny of salary calculations. Members emphasized that while security agencies require operational autonomy, such independence must be matched by strict adherence to financial regulations. The November 7 deadline stands as a critical benchmark for the GIS to demonstrate its commitment to correcting these financial lapses and ensuring the return of public funds.