Controller and Accountant-General’s Department directs HR units to correct Ghana Card discrepancies on government payroll or face salary suspension from March 15, 2026.
Accra, Ghana – February 11, 2026
The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has directed public sector institutions to urgently update and verify Ghana Card details of employees on the Government Payroll System or risk salary suspension.
In an official circular dated February 11, 2026, the Department indicated that discrepancies between National Identification Authority records and payroll data have affected some employees’ access to the upgraded electronic payslip platform.
The notice forms part of broader measures to strengthen payroll integrity and eliminate inconsistencies in government salary administration.
Payroll Data Discrepancies Identified
According to the CAGD, following the rollout of an upgraded e-Payslip platform, critical data inconsistencies were identified. These discrepancies involve National Identification Authority numbers captured on the payroll system that do not correspond with official NIA records.
The mismatch has prevented some employees from accessing their monthly payslips through the new platform.
The Department stated that earlier communications had already requested updates to Ghana Card details. However, outstanding issues remain.
Immediate Actions Required from HR Departments
Human Resource Departments of affected “Covered Entities” have been instructed to take urgent corrective measures.
The required actions include:
- Correcting the NIA numbers of all affected staff on the payroll system.
- Submitting applications for correction or insertion of NIA numbers to CAGD, together with posting or transfer letters where applicable, and a clear copy of the employee’s Ghana Card.
A list of affected employees flagged as having “no NIA details” has reportedly been sent directly to the official corporate emails of the institutions concerned for immediate action.
Salary Suspension Deadline: March 15, 2026
The CAGD has warned that employees without verified NIA details will have their salaries suspended effective March 15, 2026.
The Department described the measure as a prerequisite for an upcoming nationwide employee re-verification exercise aimed at ensuring payroll accuracy and eliminating ghost names.
The directive underscores the government’s continued effort to digitise and clean up public sector payroll systems.
Broader Payroll Reform Context
The integration of Ghana Card data into public payroll systems is part of a larger national identification and financial management reform agenda.
In recent years, government has intensified efforts to:
- Link public sector payroll to biometric identification
- Reduce payroll fraud and duplication
- Enhance transparency in salary administration
- Strengthen financial accountability in public service
The upgraded e-Payslip platform is intended to improve access and convenience for government workers, allowing them to retrieve salary records electronically.
Implications for Public Sector Workers
The directive affects workers across various government agencies, ministries, departments, and other covered entities.
Failure to comply could result in temporary salary interruption until verification is completed.
Employees are therefore advised to liaise promptly with their HR departments to confirm that their Ghana Card details are accurately captured in the payroll database.
Official Endorsement
The circular was signed by Kwasi Agyei, Controller and Accountant-General.
The Department has urged institutions to cooperate fully to ensure a smooth verification process and avoid disruption of salary payments.
