PAC summons former Health Minister Okoe-Boye over GHC20m paid for Parliamentary hospital project despite no work done

Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has summoned former Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, over the payment of GH¢20 million as mobilisation funds for a Parliamentary Service Hospital project despite no work done. The development has intensified scrutiny over public spending and project execution within the health sector, particularly concerning large-scale infrastructure projects funded with public resources.

The payment was made by the former Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Addo. The disbursement has raised concerns about due diligence and oversight mechanisms in the release of funds for government projects.

Irene Naa Torshie Addo together with the accountant involved in the disbursement of the money have all been summoned by PAC. Their appearance before the Committee is expected to provide further clarity on the processes leading to the payment and the safeguards, if any, that were in place at the time.

The Auditor-General has revealed that GH¢20 million was paid on Dec. 31, 2024 for 15% mobilisation works on a parliamentary hospital as mobilisation funds for the construction of a Parliamentary Service Hospital, despite no work being carried out on the project. The findings form part of a broader audit review aimed at ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.

The payment, made on December 31, 2024, during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was disclosed in findings presented to Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. The timing of the payment has also drawn attention, as it was made at the end of the financial year.

The contract for the project was signed by former Minister of Health, Bernard Okoe Boye. His role in the approval and execution of the agreement is expected to be a key focus of the Committee’s inquiry.

Appearing before the Committee on April 1, 2026, the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Michael Yamson, explained that the project has stalled due to a relocation from the parliamentary enclave to the National Security premises. According to him, the change in project location contributed significantly to delays in commencement of construction works.

He stated that the agreement between the Ministry of Health and Sienna Services provided for a 15 percent mobilisation payment out of a total contract sum of GH¢108 million, of which GH¢20 million had already been disbursed. The arrangement reflects a standard contractual practice where contractors receive upfront funds to prepare for project execution.

Mr. Yamson indicated that the contractor has responded to queries regarding the utilisation of the funds, but noted that an outstanding portion of the mobilisation amount remains to be addressed. This suggests that further financial obligations under the contract may still be pending, despite the lack of visible progress on the ground.

“Between the Government, specifically, the Ministry of Health, and Sienna Services, for the construction of a specialised hospital for Parliament, an agreement was reached to pay 15% mobilisation of GH¢108 million, out of which GH¢20 million was paid,” he said.

“We have written to Sienna Services, and they have responded to the work that was done with the GH¢20 million. There is an outstanding 15% mobilisation of the GH¢108 million that is due. That is what has to be recognised as the amount that is outstanding,” Yamson added.

The disclosure prompted the Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Atta Mills, to summon the former Health Minister, the former DACF Administrator, and the accountant involved in the transaction to provide further clarification. The Committee is expected to examine whether procurement laws and financial regulations were followed.

“Hon. Okoe-Boye will also have to appear and let us know. The company that took the money should also appear. Because GH¢20 million—what time are they going to build the hospital?” he questioned. His remarks highlight growing concerns about project delays, accountability, and value for money in public expenditure.

The upcoming hearings are expected to shed more light on the status of the project, the use of the funds, and possible steps toward recovery or continuation of the hospital construction. The case also underscores the role of parliamentary oversight in ensuring transparency and accountability in government-funded initiatives.