Controller and Accountant-General Kwasi Agyei has demanded public sector accountants confront audit infractions with honesty. These breaches are more than just mistakes. They show a failure in accountability. This erodes public belief in how national money is managed.
Mr. Agyei spoke at the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) conference. The Auditor-General’s yearly reports repeatedly mention problems. These include breaking financial rules. They also point to weak internal checks. Many ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and assemblies fail to follow rules. This often leads to significant losses for the state.
Public sector accountants must protect the nation’s money. They need to follow the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) more closely. When needed, they must enforce penalties. Using systems like the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) is crucial. GIFMIS helps make financial processes clearer. It also makes them easier to track. This allows for oversight at any time.
Mr. Agyei stressed that reducing audit problems is everyone’s job. If individuals and groups consistently do the right things, Ghana can build a public sector that is disciplined and clear. The Auditor-General’s Report is a key measure of how well public money is managed. Mr. Agyei sees it as a clear reflection of performance.
The CAGD is also working to improve payroll security. They are partnering with the National Identification Authority (NIA). This will use biometric verification for government employees. People on the payroll will need to have their faces or fingerprints checked periodically. This is done through a new Identity Verification Platform (IVP). This system ensures that the payroll always matches verified identities. This check happens not just when someone starts a job. It continues throughout their time working for the government.
Additionally, the department plans to move more public universities onto the main government payroll system. This follows earlier progress. The next step is to include the remaining universities. This is not just a technical change. It is a major reform aimed at fixing payroll problems. It will help stop irregularities. It also strengthens transparency and accountability. This ensures public funds are handled properly.
The CAGD will work closely with universities. They will also collaborate with other important groups. This will make the switch smooth. It will also protect staff welfare. The goal is a payroll system for universities that is unified, efficient, and trustworthy.
Mr. Agyei thanked Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for attending. Her presence shows the government's strong commitment to good financial management. He also acknowledged the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana, GhIPSS, and commercial banks. Their support helps make payments digital. Development partners also play a role. He praised his staff for their hard work and skill.
The department will keep investing in staff training. This includes sending accountants to good accounting firms. This gives them practical experience. It builds their skills. It also helps them prepare for audits better. This improves how financial information is reported.