Accra:The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has instructed Dr. Benedict Bonaventure Aligeba, the former Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Region Limited (ICOUR), to vacate his official bungalow following the end of a one-year post-retirement grace period.
According to Ghana Web, this directive was issued during the Committee's fifth day of public hearings concerning the 2025 Auditor-General's reports. The hearings examined various public institutions for their management of resources and adherence to procurement regulations.
Additionally, the Committee encouraged the Tree Crops Development Authority to utilize approximately GHS25 million in its account to bolster its operations and growth. Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, informed the Committee about their efforts in regulating sectors such as cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea, and the training provided to farmers to enhance productivity.
The Committee praised Dr. Okrah and his management team for their accomplishments but urged them to maintain their efforts. They also directed the Authority to ensure proper documentation for vehicles purchased for the institution.
Meanwhile, the Cocoa Processing Company Limited was flagged in the 2025 Auditor-General's Report for procurement violations and was advised to adhere to the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended. The Committee also recommended that the company join the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS) to improve compliance with procurement standards.
The Public Procurement Act provides the guidelines for public funds' acquisition of goods, works, and services, while GHANEPS aims to enhance transparency and accountability in public procurement.