The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has strongly denied accusations that it has some New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates on the government payroll.
A statement from the department described the accusations made on TV3 morning show on September 9, 2023, as “untrue” and an attempt to tarnish the reputation of their boss.
“I would like to categorically state that this accusation is false, unsubstantiated, and exhibits his level of ignorance of the business process in the management of Government payroll.” A portion of the statement reads.
Read below the full statement
The attention of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has been drawn to a wild allegation made by a panelist on Saturday September 9, 2023 during live telecast of Tv3 morning show “Thekeypoint”.
The said panelist made a spurious allegation to the effect that the Controller and Accountant-General has put the names of delegates on Payroll and they have been receiving salary for two years. I would like to categorically state that this accusation is false, unsubstantiated, and exhibits his level of ignorance of the business process in the management of Government payroll.
The CAGD is responsible for overseeing the financial management and payroll administration of the Government of Ghana. It is an esteemed institution that upholds the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity. The allegations made against the Controller and Accountant-General not only tarnish the reputation of the individual in question but also cast doubt on the entire institution and its commitment to serving the nation.
It is important to note that the payroll system of the Government of Ghana is a complex and meticulously designed process that involves multiple layers of scrutiny, verification and established protocols. Employer MDAs/MMDAs are responsible for initiating payroll processes pertaining to;
1. Recruitment of employees. 2. Promotion and Demotion of their staff. 3. Termination and Deletion of staff. 4. Authorising updates of staff records.
These transactions are captured on prescribed input forms and processed at the Personnel Processing Sections of the Employer MDAs/MMDAs.
The CAGD validates these processed input forms on Government Payroll by ensuring that all the relevant documents are attached to the input forms.
On monthly basis, prior to the payment of salaries, an Electronic Salary Payment Voucher (ESPV) detailing staff numbers, names, grades salary payable to every employee are sent to Employer MDAs/MMDAs for validation. The validation process entails Employer MDAs/MMDAs confirming that names and amount payable as salary that appear on the payment vouchers of the MDA/MMDA are legitimate. NO employee is paid if not validatedby the employer.
Furthermore, the CAGD operates under a system of checks and balances, with various oversight mechanisms in place to prevent any form of malpractice or abuse. These mechanisms include internal audits, external audits, and regular reviews conducted by independent bodies. Any irregularities or discrepancies in the payroll system would be promptly identified and thoroughly investigated.
The allegations suggesting that the Controller and Accountant-General manipulated the payroll system and single-handedly put un-authorised names on the payroll for two years are not only false and baseless but also undermine the integrity of the Department. It is essential that we rely on credible evidence and due process of verifications before making such ill-minded and outrageous accusations that can have far-reaching consequences.
The doors of the Department are open to any independent investigation into the allegations. It is crucial that the reputation of the Controller and Accountant-General, as well as the integrity of the CAGD, be restored and upheld.
I trust that you will give due consideration to this rejoinder and provide an opportunity for the truth to prevail.
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