The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Controller & Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) have uncovered widespread payroll irregularities in the Northern Region of Ghana.
This was stated in a press release issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor on 20th May, 2024.
An investigation into educational institutions under the Ghana Education Service and the Tamale Teaching Hospital revealed that numerous unauthorized and inactive validators were being used to process salaries for nonexistent employees.
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Shockingly, it was found that a primary school in the Kumbungu District of the Ghana Education Service did not actually exist.
Despite its fictional status, the school was listed as staffed, and supposed staff members were receiving monthly salaries.
Again, the investigation uncovered a staggering GHC2,854,144.80 in unearned monthly salaries. These payments were being made to individuals who were deceased, retired, no longer in their positions, flagged as missing, or whose whereabouts were unknown.
The office added that, “By blocking these payments and removing the “Ghost Names” from the government payroll, the Republic saved GHC34,249,737.60 for the 2024 financial year. Ongoing savings are expected in subsequent years, along with potential upward pay adjustments for existing employees:”
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The OSP and CAGD stated they will continue with their investigation to prosecute those responsible for promoting the non-existent school, validating the salaries of ineligible individuals, and facilitating the theft of public funds.
Read the Full statement below;
