The Ministry of Health is unable to give account for a total of 238 vehicles of the ministry.

This discovery was made by members of the Public Accounts Committee after they discovered that the ministry lacks an asset register, leading to 238 vehicles being unaccounted for.

It was reported that officials from the ministry of Health failed to allow auditors to inspect those vehicles, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

The auditors reported that despite multiple requests, 238 out of 286 vehicles in the Western Area were not presented for physical verification. Additionally, they found that the vehicles were neither licensed nor insured, which violates Section 11.1 of the 2020 Government Vehicle and Fleet Policy.

The report recommended the Ministry’s Transport Officer be held accountable for the missing vehicles and urged the ministry to immediately license and insure all vehicles.

A representative from the ministry, Mohamed Ishmael Kutubu, acknowledged the issue but explained that logistical challenges made it difficult to gather all the vehicles for inspection during the audit. He disclosed that efforts to establish an asset register are currently underway.

Hon. Tawa, Chairman of the committee, stressed the importance of maintaining an asset register to track the allocation and management of government vehicles. He pointed out that the absence of such a system leads to vehicles being misused or lost, particularly during government transitions.

“There must be a proper asset register and identification system to monitor vehicle depreciation, ensure roadworthiness, and maintain value. Without it, how do we hold people accountable?” Hon. Tawa questioned.

He also highlighted the broader issue of government vehicles being insured under third-party policies, which leaves the government vulnerable when accidents occur. He emphasised the need for comprehensive insurance, which, although more costly, offers better protection and vehicle replacement options.

Hon. Aaron Koroma proposed that the committee,’ in collaboration with the auditors, arrange a physical verification of all vehicles in the Western Area to resolve the issue. That measure, he argued, would ensure that all vehicles are properly accounted for.