Former Auditor-General Daniel Yao Domelevo is urging authorities to immediately suspend or interdict officials cited in irregularities contained in the latest Auditor-General’s report, arguing that decisive administrative action would reinforce accountability in the public service.

The call comes as debate intensifies over the Auditor-General’s report on government arrears and payables as of 2024, which scrutinises billions of cedis in claims submitted by contractors and suppliers.

One of the key issues flagged in the report is the purchase of 10,000 metric tonnes of rice in 2024 that auditors say cannot be accounted for, raising concerns about the management and distribution of food supplies meant to support communities during a period of drought.

The audit further revealed that GH¢45.4 billion of the GH¢68.7 billion in claims submitted by contractors and suppliers had been validated for payment. However, auditors disallowed GH¢8.1 billion after identifying irregularities, while another GH¢13.3 billion remains under scrutiny due to missing documentation, contracts or third-party confirmations.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, Domelevo insisted that administrative action should precede parliamentary investigations.

“Anybody who is found complicit in doing something wrong or any malpractice, the first thing we do is to suspend you or interdict you and investigate. If, after the investigations, you are not guilty, you are asked to return and continue your job,” he said.

Domelevo stressed that parliamentary committees typically lack enforcement powers, meaning their conclusions must ultimately be implemented by the executive.

He added that the Attorney-General would be responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals who may have submitted fraudulent claims.

“The administrative sanctions alone will send a strong message to Ghanaians that it is not business as usual,” he said. “As Parliament continues its debate and the Attorney-General conducts investigations, the administrative sanctions should take the lead.”

He argued that immediate disciplinary measures would be the fastest way for the government to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability while wider investigations continue.