PAC orders arrest of Energy Ministry geologist over breach of study bond

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has ordered the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to take immediate steps to arrest Yaa Serwaa Gyan, a geologist who allegedly absconded after benefiting from a government-sponsored study leave with pay.

According to the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report, Gyan secured study leave with financial support from the state but failed to return to her post upon completion of her programme abroad.

Her decision to abandon her obligation has left an outstanding bond debt of GH¢120,000, which she is required to refund under the terms of her contract.

During the Committee’s sitting on Wednesday, August 21, 2025, Ranking Member Samuel Atta-Mills expressed grave concern over the increasing trend of bonded public servants failing to honour their obligations after benefiting from state resources.

He directed the Ministry to involve law enforcement in tracking her down and to provide feedback to Parliament within 30 days on efforts to recover the funds.

“If she has gone to the USA, get the police involved, and we will find her in the US. The government cannot pay for people to go for study leave and then, when they finish, they abscond. That is not fair,” Atta-Mills charged.

He further instructed that the guarantor of Gyan’s bond be held accountable, stressing that guarantors must also face consequences when beneficiaries fail to fulfil their commitments.

The Committee’s directive highlights a recurring issue in Ghana’s public sector, where several civil servants and professionals have taken advantage of state-sponsored educational opportunities without returning to contribute their skills to national development.

Over the years, the Auditor-General’s reports have repeatedly flagged similar cases across ministries, departments, and agencies, sparking calls for stricter enforcement of bond agreements.

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has now been tasked to ensure compliance by pursuing both Gyan and her guarantor through legal means.

Parliament has also signalled its intention to monitor the matter closely to set an example for other public servants who may consider defaulting on similar obligations.