Public Accounts Committee settles GH‵33,100 debt for Pantang Hospital

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has facilitated the settlement of an outstanding debt of GH‵33,100 owed by Pantang Hospital. This resolution occurred during a public hearing focused on the 2025 Auditor-General’s Performance Audit Report, where various public institutions were called to account for financial and administrative infractions. The settlement marks a significant step in clearing the financial liabilities of one of the nation's primary psychiatric facilities.

The total amount was settled through contributions from two separate entities. The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) provided GH‵17,000, while the Akuapem South Municipal Assembly contributed the remaining GH‵16,100. These payments were specifically targeted at addressing audit infractions that had been flagged during the review of the hospital’s financial management, allowing the institution to move forward with a cleaner balance sheet.

Beyond the financial relief for Pantang, the PAC session addressed systemic challenges within the broader healthcare sector. Representatives from Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) also appeared before the committee to respond to queries in the audit report. A significant technological advancement was highlighted by Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, who announced the rollout of a technology-driven bed management system. This initiative is designed to mitigate the "no-bed syndrome" in emergency departments by providing real-time tracking of available hospital beds.

The hearing also touched upon national efforts to improve maternal healthcare, with the government developing a roadmap to enhance standards and secure dedicated funding for the sector. While the session successfully resolved the Pantang debt, it concluded after the absence of key representatives from several local assemblies. The PAC continues to emphasize the necessity of adherence to audit recommendations to ensure transparency and the efficient use of public funds across all health and local government institutions.