Grain Transporter Returns GH¢19.1M to State After Audit Findings

Overview of the Audit Findings

The Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has shared significant developments regarding Rans Logistics, a company implicated in multiple infractions as outlined in the Auditor-General’s special report. The company has returned GH¢19.1 million to the state just one week after the report was made public, marking a notable response to the audit findings.

Rans Logistics was identified for overpayments related to grain transportation and the disappearance of thousands of tonnes of rice and maize. This revelation has sparked further scrutiny by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is currently reviewing the audit findings.

Key Details from the Audit Report

Speaking before the PAC on 30 March 2026, Mr. Ampem Nyarko highlighted the significance of the audit in protecting public resources. He stated that on 10 March, he presented the audit findings to Parliament, and exactly a week later, on 17 March, Rans Logistics refunded GH¢19.1 million to the state.

He also mentioned that the audit uncovered that the company had been paid for over 7,000 metric tonnes of rice that were unaccounted for. Mr. Ampem Nyarko emphasized that the government expects these 7,000 metric tonnes to be reimbursed. The Attorney-General is working with his team to determine the appropriate course of action for all identified infractions.

Impact of the Audit on Public Funds

Mr. Ampem Nyarko stressed that the primary objective of the audit is to safeguard public funds. He noted that this example demonstrates the importance of the audit, as it was intended to protect state resources and is already beginning to achieve its purpose.

In 2024, the Akufo-Addo government allocated funds for 34,000 metric tonnes of rice to mitigate the impact of a dry spell. However, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture received and distributed only 24,000 metric tonnes, leaving 10,000 metric tonnes unaccounted for despite the full payment.

Additionally, the government contracted a company to supply 100,000 metric tonnes of maize. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture submitted store receipt advice as evidence of delivery, but only 11,900 metric tonnes were actually supplied and distributed.

Transportation Contract Irregularities

Under the Farmer Food Relief and Recovery Programme, a transportation company was contracted to transport 134,000 metric tonnes of maize and rice to farmers across the country at a contract sum of GH¢115.2 million. Despite transporting only 35,000 metric tonnes, which should have cost GH¢30.9 million, the company was paid GH¢50 million.

Furthermore, the company was given 7,311 metric tonnes of rice, equivalent to 14,622 bags of 50kg rice, amounting to GH¢11.7 million in lieu of cash for no work done. This brought the total payment to GH¢61.7 million. As a result, the Auditor-General rejected the GH¢65.2 million requested by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as additional payment to the transport company.