Controller and Accountant-General’s Department 'll soon stop paying govt employees without Ghana card

In a recent development, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department in Ghana has announced its intention to implement a new policy requiring government employees to possess a Ghana Card for salary disbursement.

To eliminate fictitious entries in the public sector, Mr. Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem, the Controller and Accountant General, has issued a stern warning to employees. He stated that his department is prepared to remove the names of individuals who have not linked their Ghana cards to the payroll system.

Addressing attendees at the annual conference of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department in Kumasi, Mr. Kwaning-Bosompem underscored the importance of incorporating innovative approaches in the day-to-day management of public finances.

This measure aims to establish and maintain a credible payroll system.

“We have engaged with our members who are on the payroll about the linkage of their NIA number to the payroll database, which started two years ago. And now the implementation has come into force. If you don’t have an NIA card, very soon, your pay will be disconnected.”

“If your NIA card is missing, it does not mean your number is missing. Your number is still on the database, and we can always cross-check and if we are in doubt, then we invite the person physically to come and do validation,”

Meanwhile, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, the Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), stressed the importance of a joint effort in the fight against corruption.

“I raised concerns because for 4 years the Corruption Perception Index has been stagnant. It is like we are not moving up, we are not moving down. But there are a lot of interventions that have been put in place. We now need to do more because there are a lot of interventions so that the perception of corruption will improve. Everybody must be involved, not only those in authority. If you see something, you must say something. Everybody must be on board and not leave it to only institutions set up to fight corruption,” she urged.

Simon Osei-Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, standing in for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, praised the department for significant advancements and highlighted the necessity of incorporating technology and innovation in the accounting and finance sector.

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department decision underscores the government's ongoing efforts to streamline identification processes and enhance data security within its payroll system.

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