A comprehensive payroll audit has revealed over 14,000 ghost workers and irregular salary payments totaling GHC150.4 million, according to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
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Presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament, Dr. Forson disclosed that the Ghana Audit Service, commissioned by the Ministry of Finance, completed 91% of a nationwide payroll review across all 16 regions.
“So far, the Audit Service has not been able to verify over 14,000 individuals on government payroll,” he stated.
Additionally, 53,307 individuals listed as retired, reassigned, terminated, on leave without pay, or deceased were still drawing salaries.
The findings are expected to lead to the recovery of GHC150.4 million in unearned wages from 2023 and 2024 alone.
Dr. Forson described the situation as deeply troubling and emphasized the need for stricter payroll controls.
“We are enforcing a monthly payroll validation system and will apply strict sanctions against violations,” he warned.
The audit is part of broader public sector reforms aimed at tightening expenditure controls and restoring financial discipline.
