By: Jones Anlimah
The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has pledged bold reforms to enhance public financial management, improve payroll integrity, and strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of state resources.
At the Department’s annual conference held in Ho, Volta Region, under the theme “Enhancing Public Financial Management Excellence,” key government officials outlined measures being implemented to protect the public purse and enhance fiscal discipline.
Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, emphasised the need for strict enforcement of financial laws and compliance with public financial management regulations. “We have so many good laws, but what is the use if we don’t crack the whip when people violate them?” Mr. Nyarko Ampem asked.
He announced that a new Compliance Desk had been established at the Ministry of Finance to track the adherence of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act.
“We are going to name and shame MDAs that do not comply with the PFM provisions, and proceed to prosecute those that engage in infractions,” he said, warning that the days of evading accountability were over.
Mr. Nyarko Ampem, stressed that the government was committed to expanding the use of the Ghana Electronic Procurement System, strengthening fiscal risk management, and conducting a comprehensive audit of the government payroll system to remove irregularities and safeguard public funds.
The Controller and Accountant-General, Mr. Kwasi Agyei, urged public financial managers to rise to the challenge of safeguarding the country’s financial stability. “Managing public finance responsibly is essential for our nation’s future. We have no option but to act with integrity, transparency, and efficiency,” he said.
Mr. Kwasi Agyei disclosed that over 4,000 ghost names had been removed from the government payroll following a thorough audit. “We have conducted a comprehensive review of the payroll data, leading to the suspension of salaries for over 4,000 employees with inconsistencies in their credentials,” he revealed. He warned payroll validators to exercise due diligence, stating, “We will rigorously apply sanctions under Public Financial Management Regulations for anyone processing salary payments for unqualified individuals.”
The Controller and Accountant-General announced several measures being adopted to further secure the payroll system. These include deploying encryption, multi-factor authentication, biometric verification such as facial recognition, regular penetration testing, and involving internal auditors directly in the payroll validation process. “Once internal auditors are part of the validation system, validators will be aware that there is an additional layer of review to ensure accuracy and compliance,” he explained.
On broader reforms, Mr. Kwasi Agyei stated that discussions were underway to either upgrade the existing Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) or introduce a new financial management system altogether. “Whatever decision is taken by the end of the year, it will be in the best interest of Ghana,” he assured.
He further highlighted progress made in implementing International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), noting that government financial reporting now covers specialised areas such as service concession agreements, public-private partnerships, and post-employment benefits obligations.”The IPSAS agenda has significantly enhanced public accountability and broadened the scope of financial reporting for Ghana,” Mr. Kwasi Agyei noted.
He also spoke about initiatives to build staff capacity, including partnerships with leading accounting firms such as EY Ghana, PwC, and Deloitte for internships. “We want our staff to be professionally equipped to serve any covered entity effectively and eliminate any doubts about their competence,” he said.
Dr. Doli-Wura Zakaria, Managing Director of the National Investment Bank (NIB), called on public finance managers to adopt innovative approaches while remaining compliant with the law. “We must think innovatively within the confines of the law to strengthen our financial management systems. Fiscal consolidation is key to building a resilient economy that can withstand global shocks,” Dr. Zakaria said.
He urged participants to support the government’s vision of resetting Ghana’s economy through prudent and sustainable public financial management practices. “With strong commitment and stakeholder engagement, we can bring Ghana back to a sound economic path,” he added.
Mr. Augustus Awity, the Volta Regional Coordinating Director, commended the Controller and Accountant General’s Department for choosing the Volta Region to host the conference. He emphasized the critical role of sound public financial management in promoting local development and strengthening governance at the regional and district levels.
Mr. Awity also pledged the region’s continued collaboration with the department to improve financial accountability and transparency across all assemblies in the region.
