The Ministry of Finance has opened a probe into payroll infractions uncovered in the Auditor-General’s 2024 report, following revelations at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sittings that pointed to deep flaws in Ghana’s wage management system.
The Auditor-General’s findings show that payroll-related irregularities surged dramatically within a year, rising from GHC 14.4 million in 2023 to GHC 57.8 million in 2024 — an increase of over 300 percent.
PAC Brings Hidden Losses to Light
At the PAC hearings, lawmakers grilled officials over questionable allowances and unauthorized salary adjustments. One of the most striking cases involved a teacher in Donkorkrom who for three years received disability benefits despite not being disabled.
“This case is not only shocking but reveals how weak verification systems have become,” one PAC member said. “Funds meant for vulnerable people are being diverted, and this must stop.”
The hearings also highlighted persistent “ghost names” on the payroll and instances where unqualified staff drew salaries long after leaving the service.
Ministry Responds With Investigation
Faced with public outrage, the Ministry of Finance has moved to reassure citizens, confirming that a probe is already underway.
“We are determined to clean up the payroll system,” a senior Finance Ministry spokesperson said. “Every cedi must be accounted for, and those found complicit in these irregularities will face sanctions.”
The probe, officials say, will cover all affected ministries, departments, and agencies, and will focus on plugging systemic loopholes that allow fraudulent payments to thrive.
Stakeholders Demand Consequences
Civil society organizations and anti-corruption advocates argue that payroll fraud has become a recurring problem because previous reports have not been followed by decisive action.
“The Auditor-General exposes, PAC interrogates, and then everything ends with promises,” said governance analyst Kofi Amponsah. “Unless people are prosecuted and money is recovered, the problem will not go away.”
Teachers’ groups have also reacted strongly to the Donkorkrom case. “It is deeply unfair that someone could unlawfully enjoy disability allowances while others struggle for legitimate benefits,” said Madam Akua Frempong, a representative of a national teachers’ union.
Parliamentarians on the PAC stressed that Ghana cannot afford to keep losing millions to payroll fraud. “Taxpayers deserve better,” one MP remarked. “The credibility of our public finance system is at stake.”
Economic Implications
Analysts warn that the sharp rise in payroll irregularities risks undermining Ghana’s fiscal consolidation drive and ongoing economic recovery.
“Leakages of this scale weaken investor confidence and drain resources needed for development,” economist Dr. Lydia Mensah explained. “Every cedi lost could have been used to build schools, improve healthcare, or support agriculture.”
What Happens Next
Experts are calling for a combination of technology-driven reforms and stronger enforcement to prevent future losses. Proposals include biometric payroll verification, real-time monitoring of salary disbursements, and closer collaboration between oversight institutions such as the Audit Service, Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, and PAC.
Above all, stakeholders insist that visible sanctions are needed. “Without consequences, the irregularities will simply repeat in next year’s report,” one civil society advocate cautioned.
Bottom Line
With payroll infractions rising from GHC 14.4 million to GHC 57.8 million in just one year, the stakes are high. The PAC has done its job by uncovering the breaches; it is now up to the Ministry of Finance to prove that Ghana can turn audit findings into accountability and reform.
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