Three Million Condoms Missing; Driver Under Scrutiny

In a troubling revelation, the Auditor-General has launched a rigorous pursuit on Joe Gyaten, a delivery driver accused of failing to deliver a significant consignment of condoms and other contraceptives worth GH¢1.34 million to the Eastern Region’s Regional Medical Stores.

The missing items, which include three million male condoms and 120,000 vials of Depo-Provera, were scheduled for delivery on August 22, 2022, but never made it to their intended destination.

Mr. Gyaten has been unable to provide a satisfactory account of the missing contraceptives, prompting the Auditor-General to invoke Section 96 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

This section holds accountable individuals responsible for any loss, damage, or destruction of government property, prescribing penalties including imprisonment or fines upon conviction.

The Auditor-General’s latest report on public accounts of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) highlighted staggering financial irregularities totaling GH¢2.41 billion in 2023. Among these, store and procurement irregularities, including the missing contraceptives valued at GH¢1.34 million, were a significant concern.

The discovery, made during routine audits, revealed discrepancies in the delivery process documented in Temporary Central Medical Stores records.

Subsequent investigations at the Regional Medical Stores confirmed that the contraceptives had not reached their designated storage facility, leaving their whereabouts unknown.

The implications suggest possible misappropriation or mismanagement of public resources, necessitating further investigation and corrective action.

The Auditor-General has directed the Ministry of Health’s Chief Director to ensure recovery of the GH¢1.34 million from Mr. Gyaten, emphasizing that failure to comply would hold responsible officials personally liable for the debt.

In response to the findings, the Ministry of Health has referred the matter to its Health Intelligence Unit, which is collaborating with the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department to probe the incident further. The outcome of these investigations will likely determine the next steps in this unfolding financial oversight issue.