The National Cardiothoracic Centre (NCTC), Ghana’s premier heart treatment facility, is facing fresh controversy as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament questions its financial practices—specifically, the collection of unauthorized fees and payment of unapproved allowances amounting to GH¢973,245.93.
The revelations, drawn from the Auditor-General’s report for the year ending December 31, 2024, have cast a shadow over the centre, which is already battling limited resources and an overwhelming caseload of heart patients, including an estimated 8,000 new congenital heart disease cases annually.
At the PAC’s public hearing on Monday, September 29, Ranking Member Mr. Samuel Atta Mills expressed concern about what he described as clear violations of financial regulations, particularly the Fees and Charges Act, which mandates parliamentary approval for all state-collected fees.
“This is not just about numbers. It’s about respect for financial law and the responsible management of public health funds,” Atta Mills stated.
According to the Auditor-General’s findings, the NCTC had levied and retained fees not sanctioned by Parliament, in addition to paying allowances that had not received the requisite approvals. The report urged the Centre’s leadership to comply strictly with legal financial protocols to restore transparency and public trust.
The PAC’s scrutiny is part of a broader review of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) scheduled between September 29 and October 1, aimed at identifying and addressing financial irregularities in the public sector.
Institutions under review during the three-day session include the Ghana Statistical Service, Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, and various other government bodies responsible for agriculture, justice, local government, tourism, and trade.
While the NCTC is widely respected for its life-saving interventions and expert medical care, the PAC’s findings risk undermining its public image and donor confidence—especially in a health landscape where accountability is essential to securing ongoing support.
The issue highlights the persistent tension between the financial autonomy some health institutions seek to meet operational needs and the legal boundaries imposed by state oversight mechanisms.
Observers say the coming days will be crucial in determining how the Centre addresses the audit concerns and whether individuals responsible for the financial lapses will be held to account.
For now, the PAC maintains that compliance with the law is non-negotiable—regardless of the pressure health institutions may be facing.
