Rans Logistics has refunded GH¢19.1 million to the state after being cited for overpayments in the transportation of grains, marking an early recovery following findings from the Auditor-General’s report on GH¢68 billion in arrears.
Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, disclosed the development on Monday, March 30, during a sitting of the Public Accounts Committee. He described the refund as a clear indication that the audit process is already yielding positive results.
“I just want to give one example to show the importance of the audit to us as a nation,” he told the Committee. He explained that the audit findings were first presented to Parliament on March 10, alongside referrals for further scrutiny.
According to him, within just a week of the presentation, one of the companies implicated had responded. “Exactly a week after, on 17 March, one of the companies identified with some of the infractions responded. Rans Logistics was the company stated to have been overpaid for the transportation of grains, and it has refunded GH¢19.1 million to the state,” he said.
However, Mr. Ampem clarified that the refund does not fully settle the liabilities identified in the audit. He noted that the company was also reported to have been paid in excess of 7,000 metric tonnes of rice.
“If you look at the audit revelations, it is not just the GH¢19.1 million that were cited. It was also stated that the company was paid with rice in excess of 7,000 metric tonnes. So we are expecting the value of 7,000 metric tonnes of rice as well,” he explained.
The Deputy Minister further revealed that additional measures are being considered to address all infractions uncovered in the report. He indicated that the Office of the Attorney-General is currently reviewing the findings and will recommend appropriate actions.
Mr. Ampem stressed that the development underscores the importance of the Auditor-General’s work in safeguarding public funds and ensuring accountability.
“This shows that the audit was necessary. The audit was intended, and is beginning, to achieve its purpose of saving and protecting public funds,” he stated.
He added that the swift response by Rans Logistics demonstrates the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight and reinforces the need for continued scrutiny of public financial management.
Story By: Eric Boateng
