PAC Refers University of Education, Winneba to Attorney-General Over GH₵28 Million Unapproved Payments
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice to take legal action against the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). This follows the discovery that about GH₵28 million was paid illegally to some top management members of the university between 2020 and 2021.
According to PAC, the money was given out as allowances and honoraria that were not part of the approved university budget. Reports also show that there were no proper records or activities to justify or explain the payments made during that period.
The issue came up when the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Jobson Mitchual, appeared before the Committee on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. He explained that UEW had already formed an internal committee to investigate the matter and had made efforts to recover the funds from the former management members involved.
However, these attempts have not been successful.
Prof. Mitchual said, “Unfortunately, Honourable Chair, we have not been able to retrieve it. These are activities that the auditors have described as illegal.”
PAC members expressed concern that such a huge amount could be paid without approval, urging the Attorney-General to ensure that the money is retrieved and those responsible are brought to book.
The Committee’s referral is part of its ongoing work to promote transparency and accountability in public institutions. The case of UEW serves as a reminder to all public organizations to follow financial regulations and ensure that funds are spent only for approved purposes.
It is also about time that PAC extends its checks to other educational institutions, especially the Colleges of Education.
This development has attracted public attention, with many calling for tougher actions to ensure accountability in all public schools. UEW has assured the Committee of its full cooperation with further investigations and promised to strengthen financial discipline within the university.
