Ghana’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Ministry of Health to ensure a senior medical officer appears before it. Dr. Mockshell Esinam Sunu faces questions regarding alleged salary payments of GHS 341,229. These payments were reportedly received during a study leave period she did not utilise.
Dr. Sunu, formerly of the Takoradi Hospital, allegedly received these funds between September 2023 and August 2025. This occurred despite her not travelling to Germany for the approved academic programme. The PAC seeks to understand why these payments continued and to identify responsible officials.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about financial oversight and accountability within Ghana’s public sector. The Auditor-General’s reports frequently flag irregularities, including unearned salaries and unrecovered debts. For example, the PAC recently flagged GHS 5.2 billion in financial irregularities in the 2025 audit report. Such cases underscore the need for stricter internal controls and timely reconciliation of payroll data across government agencies. These issues directly impact public funds and taxpayer confidence in government spending.
PAC Chairperson Abena Osei-Asare expressed strong concerns about the validation processes. She questioned how such payments could persist without proper checks. “So many times if you look at this, somebody validated them and then the validator is sitting down there,” she stated during the Committee’s proceedings on Thursday, October 8, 2026. Ms. Osei-Asare has instructed the Ministry of Health to collaborate with the Ghana Medical Association (GMA). This collaboration aims to ensure Dr. Sunu’s appearance and full accountability.
The Committee’s investigation will focus on several key areas. It will examine the specifics of the study leave arrangements and the continuation of Dr. Sunu’s salary. Furthermore, the PAC will scrutinise the roles played by officials responsible for validating these payments. This inquiry seeks to establish clear accountability for the alleged financial irregularity. The outcome could lead to recommendations for improved financial management systems within the Ministry of Health and other public institutions. This case also raises questions about individual responsibility, as Ms. Osei-Asare questioned why Dr. Sunu did not act to stop the salary payments or notify authorities when her travel plans changed. This situation underscores the importance of robust financial governance to prevent misuse of public resources. The PAC’s actions demonstrate a commitment to addressing these systemic issues. This ongoing scrutiny is vital for maintaining fiscal discipline and public trust in Ghana’s financial administration. The Committee expects to conclude its hearings and issue findings that could influence future policy on public sector study leave and payroll management. This case serves as a reminder of the continuous effort required to safeguard public funds against waste and mismanagement.