Auditor-General Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu has announced that his office will embark on a nationwide payroll audit targeting all covered entities under the Controller and Accountant General’s payroll system.

The initiative, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, comes amid growing public concern over the persistence of “ghost names” and payroll irregularities within the public sector.

The audit, scheduled to cover the period from January 2023 to December 2024, will include a comprehensive headcount of all staff across ministries, departments, agencies, and subvented organizations.

The exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Audit Service to sanitize the public payroll, ensure value for money, and curb the loss of state resources through fraudulent salary payments.

In an official letter communicating the intent, the Auditor-General called on all departments and agencies to provide unhindered access to relevant books, returns, and supporting documents to facilitate the audit process.

The Audit Service has in recent years uncovered significant payroll anomalies in its reports, including payments to deceased or non-existent employees, prompting renewed calls for system-wide reforms.

This upcoming audit is expected to not only verify the authenticity of individuals on government payrolls but also strengthen internal controls within public institutions.