A thorough investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) has led to the filing of charges against six individuals implicated in a payroll fraud scheme. The scheme involved the Government of Ghana’s payroll system and resulted in the payment of unearned salaries to undeserving individuals.

The investigation, which began in December 2023, aimed to identify and remove non-existent, ineligible, and undeserving persons from the government payroll. The probe also sought to recover wrongful payments and unearned salaries, as well as prosecute those suspected of committing offenses.

Key findings of the investigation revealed that unauthorized and inactive validators’ credentials were used to validate persons on the payroll. Additionally, a non-existent school was created, and salaries were paid to purported staff members. Unearned salaries were also paid to deceased, untraceable, and retired persons, as well as those who had vacated their posts.

To address the issue, the OSP has taken steps to recover the unearned salaries paid to individuals who were not entitled to receive them. The office is also working to strengthen internal control mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. This includes implementing measures to ensure the accuracy and integrity of payroll data, as well as enhancing oversight and monitoring of payroll transactions.

The charges filed by the OSP mark a significant step in the fight against corruption and payroll fraud in Ghana. The case serves as a deterrent to those who would seek to exploit the government’s payroll system for personal gain.