CAGD and OSP Partner to Combat Payroll Fraud in Ghana
The Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) of Ghana is joining forces with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to actively pursue individuals responsible for payroll irregularities. This collaborative effort stems from recent concerns regarding financial mismanagement within the government’s payroll system, specifically the issues of paying unearned salaries and overpayments highlighted in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report. This move aims to enhance accountability and strengthen the integrity of public finances within the Ghanaian context.
Joint Investigation and Prosecution Efforts
The CAGD’s partnership with the OSP signifies a shift towards more aggressive action against payroll fraud. Following the concerns raised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, the collaboration seeks not only to recover misused funds but also to prosecute those implicated. Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Agyei, underscored this commitment, stating the intention to “go beyond recovery.” The CAGD is using its advanced “oracle system” and the audit report to identify those involved, including the recipients and their staff identification. The CAGD will collaborate with the OSP and other security agencies to ensure that those responsible for these irregularities are brought to justice, reflecting the government’s commitment to transparency and financial prudence. This action further demonstrates a technological approach to tackle corruption in the public sector.
This joint initiative between the CAGD and the OSP represents a significant step towards improved financial governance in Ghana. By combining their resources and expertise, the agencies aim to deter future instances of payroll fraud and restore public trust in the management of financial resources.
Keywords
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