Controller and Accountant-General’s Department Announces Major Payroll Reforms

Ferdinand  | PoliticsGhana | February 12 | Controller and Accountant-General’s Department Announces Major Payroll Reforms

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department introduces new payroll reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, improving efficiency, and enhancing salary administration across Ghana’s public sector.

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has announced a series of payroll reforms designed to improve efficiency, eliminate irregularities, and strengthen accountability within Ghana’s public financial management system.

The reforms form part of broader public sector financial governance measures intended to ensure accuracy in salary payments and enhance service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

Strengthening Payroll Integrity

According to the Department, the new reforms will tighten validation processes, improve data verification systems, and reduce the risk of ghost names and unauthorized payments on the government payroll.

The CAGD has indicated that stricter controls will be implemented at the point of entry and validation of staff records. Institutions will be required to ensure that all employee data submitted for payroll processing meets established documentation and approval standards.

The move is expected to reinforce compliance with existing public service regulations and financial administration laws.

Digitisation and System Upgrades

A key component of the reform agenda involves further digitisation of payroll systems. The Department is enhancing its electronic salary administration platform to allow for real-time data verification and improved monitoring.

Officials say the upgrades will support better integration between payroll systems and other government databases, including identification and tax systems. This alignment is expected to reduce discrepancies and improve data accuracy.

Improved Transparency and Accountability

The reforms also aim to provide clearer audit trails for payroll transactions. Enhanced reporting tools will allow oversight institutions to track salary expenditures more effectively and detect anomalies early.

Public institutions have been advised to strengthen their internal controls and ensure that staff records are regularly updated to reflect promotions, transfers, study leave, and retirements.

Implications for Public Sector Workers

The CAGD has assured public sector employees that the reforms are not intended to disrupt legitimate salary payments but rather to ensure fairness and integrity in the system.

However, staff are encouraged to verify their personal records, including identification details and bank information, to avoid delays that may arise during system validations.

Broader Public Financial Management Agenda

The payroll reforms align with Ghana’s ongoing efforts to enhance fiscal discipline and improve public expenditure management. By tightening payroll controls, government seeks to protect public funds and promote efficiency in salary administration.

Stakeholders within the public service have welcomed the initiative, noting that effective payroll management remains central to sustainable public sector governance.