Government launches crackdown on payroll irregularities

The government has pledged to take decisive action against officials involved in payroll infractions, signaling an end to the practice of paying salaries and allowances to individuals who have not worked.

Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, August 25, 2025, that such abuses would no longer be tolerated.

“We’re going to expose and deal with officers who validate people who have not worked for salaries and allowances yet continue to enjoy such benefits,” Mr. Ampem said during deliberations on the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.

The Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Agyei, revealed that his office is working in close collaboration with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to investigate the irregularities highlighted in the audit report. He emphasized that recovery alone is not enough and that responsible officers must also face prosecution.

“My issue is we shouldn’t just end at recovery because we realised that we were happy when they said recovered, then we tick. We should go beyond recovery. The audit report will definitely indicate the recipients and their staff ID. There is an audit trail. We can go straight into the system and identify who actually, on that particular day, processed the allowance. Once we get that, we will exercise patience, and through investigations, those culpable will be brought to book,” he explained.

PAC members expressed concern over the numerous irregularities, including unearned salaries, responsibility allowances paid to undeserving staff, and overpayment of wages. They stressed the need for transparency and accountability to restore public confidence in the payroll system.

The government’s firm approach highlights its commitment to proper financial management and strict enforcement of accountability. Officials found culpable risk both repayment of funds and legal prosecution, sending a clear signal that payroll abuses will no longer be tolerated in public service.

Meanwhile, the Controller and Accountant General, Kwasi Agyei, has announced that his office is partnering with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to investigate the 2024 audit report that uncovers overpayment of salaries and unearned allowances.

He made the point that the issue should not just end at recovery, but prosecution must take place. ‘We’re working with security agencies like the OSP to investigate the audit report and sanction persons culpable for overpayment of salaries and unearned allowances,’ he told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday, August 25.