The PAC is reviewing the 2011, 2012 and 2013 editions of the Auditor General’s report on the Judicial Service, but according to some peeved and bewildered journalists, for some strange reasons, the PAC members disallowed them from entering the auditorium to report the proceedings.
“This is quite unusual because in the past few days, the same journalists were allowed to cover the proceedings on other departments and agencies mentioned in the report but on this occasion, they have been prevented from covering that of the judicial service” said Parliamentary correspondent, Yesmeen Abubakar Tetteh, of Accra Based Top Fm. She also alleged that Police personnel who were stationed at the venue of the committee sitting have manhandled some journalists who attempted entering the auditorium to listen to the proceedings.
“Member of the PAC revealed to me that the journalists were prevented because the report on the judicial service is stinking, therefore, media publications on it will further diminish the public trust and confidence in the judiciary”
Meanwhile in a quick response on Ghana Dadwen on Onua Fm, Vice Secretary of the Parliamentary Press Corp Jeorge Wilson Kingson told the host Bright Kwesi Asempa that the claims by Yesmeen Abubakar Tetteh was factually inaccurate and must be disregarded. Jeorge Wilson Kingson added that there was a prior notice to the Press Corp informing them of change of venue and why it would not be possible for the media to cover Thursday’s proceedings, saying there was a precedent.
However the Chairman of the Public Account Committee who is MP for Dormaa Central constituency, Brong Ahafo Hon. Kwaku Agyemang-Manu explained to journalists after the sitting that, due to some sensitive issues, the PAC decided to have a closed door sitting.
“there are some sensitive issues involve that we don’t think should be put into the public domain, judicial service is a sensitive are”
Article 103 (3) of the constitution says “Committees of Parliament will be charged with such functions, including the investigation and inquiry into the activities and administration of ministries and departments as Parliament may determine and such investigation and inquiries may extend to proposals for legislation”.
Standing Order 165 of Parliament assigns to the Public Accounts Committee, the examination of the audited accounts showing the appropriation of funds granted by Parliament to the government.
