PAC orders University of Ghana to recover funds for staff on extended study leave
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has directed the University of Ghana (UG) to recover funds reportedly paid to senior staff who were granted study leave but failed to return to their posts for more than five years. The directive marks a significant step in addressing potential irregularities in personnel funding and accountability within the university’s leadership ranks.
According to Professor Nan, the committee’s assessment indicates that the university could be exposed to financial loss if such payments are not recovered. The PAC’s intervention underscores the government’s ongoing push to tighten stewardship of public resources in higher education institutions and to ensure that study-leave arrangements do not become avenues for impropriety or unduly prolonged absences.
Why this matters for the University of Ghana
Study leave schemes are common in public universities, designed to enable staff to upgrade qualifications and contribute to the institution’s long-term capabilities. However, when beneficiaries do not return, the university may incur costs related to salaries and benefits without the corresponding service return. The PAC’s directive urges UG to conduct a thorough audit, identify affected staff, and recover due payments where appropriate.
Experts note that such recoveries can strengthen governance by clarifying obligations for both the institution and its staff. It also signals to other staff members that public funds under study-leave arrangements are subject to review and accountability, potentially improving compliance with established policies and timelines.
Potential implications for University governance
Recovering funds could have several ripple effects. Financially, the university may be required to implement more robust tracking of study-leave contracts and repayment terms. Administratively, there could be increased scrutiny of hiring, promotions, and leave approvals to prevent future discrepancies. The situation may also prompt a broader policy review at UG on how long staff may stay away on study leave, what conditions trigger repayment, and how benefits are calculated during extended absences.
UG officials have not publicly disclosed the total amount involved or the specific number of staff affected. The university faces the challenge of balancing accountability with fair treatment, ensuring that any repayments are managed transparently and in accordance with public sector regulations.
What happens next
The PAC’s directive typically initiates a formal audit, followed by negotiations with relevant staff or the implementation of repayment plans. If staff members resist or disputes arise, the matter could move through administrative channels and potentially to legal avenues. The outcome will likely influence how UG and other public universities manage study-leave programs in the future.
Public and academic reaction
Reaction across stakeholders ranges from support for strict accountability to concerns about the potential impact on staff morale and recruitment. Proponents argue that reclaiming funds protects taxpayers’ money and upholds the integrity of public institutions. Opponents caution that aggressive recoveries should be balanced with clear guidance on policy limits and equitable treatment for those who followed the rules.
As the investigation progresses, observers will be watching how the University of Ghana implements the PAC’s directive and whether similar reviews will extend to other public universities facing comparable issues.
