PAC Orders Banda Assembly to Refund Misused Disability Funds
PAC issues directive following irregularities flagged in Auditor-General’s Report
- PAC has directed the Banda District Assembly to retrieve and refund all misused Disability Fund monies
- The Assembly failed to provide proper documentation and justification for parts of the funds disbursed
- Officials have been cautioned that failure to comply with the directive could lead to surcharges and legal consequences
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has ordered the Banda District Assembly to refund funds allocated to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) after uncovering serious irregularities in the management and disbursement of the support scheme.
The directive was issued on Monday, April 21, 2026, when officials of the Assembly appeared before the Committee in Kumasi to respond to issues flagged in the Auditor-General’s Report.
The session marked the second zonal public hearing in the Ashanti Region, as the Committee intensifies its examination of findings contained in the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.
The ongoing exercise targets Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), as well as public basic and secondary schools, as part of efforts to address financial infractions and strengthen accountability in the use of public funds. It forms a key aspect of Parliament’s oversight mandate to ensure transparency and prudent management of state resources.
During proceedings, Committee members expressed concern over glaring lapses in the administration of the Disability Fund. The Assembly, they noted, failed to provide adequate documentation and justification for portions of the disbursed funds, raising serious questions about compliance with financial regulations.
The Committee stressed that the Disability Fund remains a critical social intervention aimed at improving the welfare and economic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, warning that any misuse undermines its intended impact.
Chairperson of the Committee, Abena Osei Asare, voiced strong dissatisfaction with the Assembly’s conduct and directed that all misapplied funds be urgently recovered and paid back into the appropriate accounts for redistribution to rightful beneficiaries.
She further instructed the Assembly to strengthen its internal controls and enhance financial management systems to prevent future breaches.
Officials were cautioned that failure to comply with the directive could result in strict sanctions, including possible surcharges and legal action under Ghana’s public financial management laws.
The PAC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting transparency and accountability, emphasising that public officials will be held responsible for the management of state resources.
The Committee also assured the public of its resolve to continue rigorous scrutiny of financial records to safeguard public funds and ensure government interventions benefit their intended recipients.
