Minority MP serves notice BOST would be grilled at PAC over iPhones

A member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, Dr Clement Apaak, has forewarned authorities at the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Limited Company (BOST) to prepare answers for the reason behind the purchase of 18 iPhone 13 Pro Max phones for some staff.

The Builsa South Member of Parliament (MP) expressed expectation that the 2022 Auditor-General’s report will capture the purchases.

There was an initial shock over the total amount used in the purchase of 18 iPhone 13 Pro Max phones for some staff of the Company.

But management explained that there was a typographical error with the placement of the dot in the amount posted.

Management admitted in a statement issued by the Corporate Communications and External Affairs Department on Saturday, September 30 that the phones were indeed bought at GH¢285,412.16 and not GH¢28,541,261.00 as posted in its report.

It added that the Auditor-General has vetted the decision, which was not questioned.

But speaking on Ghana Tonight on TV3 on Monday, Dr Apaak said management will definitely answer for the decision.

“If that turns out to be true, even though we are yet to look at 2022 audit reports, when BOST appears before the Public Accounts Committee, answers would have to be provided to justify why public resources should be expended to buy iPhones for a certain group staff at BOST,” he told host Alfred Ocansey.

He said when BOST is found to have taken the decision not in the interest of the Company, authorities could be asked to refund the monies with interest.

“There are instances where the Committee may direct that because such a purchase was not in the public interest or the interest of the institution or the purchase was not something that was planned and executed to enhance the work of the institution, then those who superintended over that could be asked to refund the total cost of the iPhones and perhaps even pay an interest on it because we now the time value of money.”

But he insisted that this sanction will be meted out if the decision by BOST was found to have violated procurement rules.

Source: 3news.com