Source browngh
Business News Ghana
Over 14,000 Ghost Names Found on Gov’t Payroll — Finance Minister Warns Offenders
A nationwide audit of the public payroll has uncovered more than 14000 unverified names sparking fears of widespread fraud and financial loss
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday revealed that the Ghana Audit Service after covering 91 percent of the public sector payroll could not verify over 14000 individuals currently drawing salaries
He added that 53311 names of separated staff including retirees deceased persons and reassigned employees were also shockingly found to be active on the system
Government now aims to recover at least GH¢150.4 million in unearned wages paid between 2023 and 2024
Dr Forson issued a strong warning to public officers who approve payments to ghost names saying they will be personally liable for the loss of public funds
The Ministry of Finance he said will enforce monthly payroll validation and take strict action to prevent the reemergence of payroll fraud
