All government employees would be required to link their Ghana Card information to their payroll under the new regulation.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Controller and Accountant General’s Department’s National Mechanized Payroll Database inauguration in Accra, Dr. Bawumia announced that Ghost names would soon be removed from the government payroll.
“This linkage between the NIA database and the government payroll will significantly contribute to eliminating the incidence of ghost names on the government of Ghana’s mechanized payroll system, which has persisted for some time,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
Meanwhile, in November 2023, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) announced the launch of an inquiry and corruption risk assessment of the government’s payroll, Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), state lands, stool lands, and other vested properties.
Regarding the government’s payroll, he stated that the assessment and investigation were intended at isolating and eliminating non-existent names, recovering incorrect payments, and prosecuting those accused of committing any offense(s).
“The Controller and Accountant General’s Department is collaborating with the OSP on the investigation and assessment. A joint project team of selected staff from the two institutions has been formed. The investigation and assessment will cover all banks and employees on the government payroll.”
“The exercise will be carried out in two phases. Phase I will cover the Ghana Education Service and health institutions. Phase II will cover all other Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assemblies, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies,” he said.
Concerning TOR, Mr. Agyebeng stated that his office commenced a study of the risk of corruption associated with the planned collaboration agreement between TOR and Tema Energy and Processing Limited.
“The Special Prosecutor has directed the Management of Tema Oil Refinery to immediately suspend the proposed partnership agreement, ongoing negotiations, operations, and all other ancillary activities arising out of and consequent upon the proposed partnership agreement until otherwise advised by the Special Prosecutor,” he added.
Regarding state and other lands, the special prosecutor stated that his office has been investigating the appropriation, sale, and leasing of state-owned lands and properties to people and corporations since 1993.
“The investigation covers all lands and properties that fall under the direct stewardship of the Lands Commission; the Ministry of Works and Housing; all other Ministries; State Housing Company; State-Owned Companies; and other State agencies. The investigation also covers the management of vested lands and all public lands over which the State’s ownership or control has been relinquished and the conditions of release,” he said.
