The Minister of Finance, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed that the ongoing payroll audits and validation processes are the key reasons behind the delay in salary payments for some newly employed teachers and the suspension of a fresh recruitment into the Ghana Education Service (GES).
Speaking during a recent media briefing, the Minister explained that some individuals who were recruited towards the end of the previous administration are yet to receive their salaries due to the government’s continued efforts to clean up the public sector payroll.
According to him, until this process is completed, their payments will still remain on hold.
Additionally, the Minister confirmed that there will be no financial clearance issued for new recruitments during this period.
“Without financial clearance, GES cannot proceed with any new recruitment,” he emphasized, adding that the clearance is a legal and administrative requirement that enables institutions to recruit and pay new staff.
However, the Ministry has assured stakeholders of its commitment to fast-tracking the validation process.
Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed an alarming finding from the nationwide payroll audit, disclosing that over 53,000 separated staff—including retirees, deceased individuals, and those on leave without pay—remain on the government payroll.
Additionally, more than 14,000 unverifiable workers were flagged, raising serious concerns about public sector salary administration.
Presenting the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament, Dr. Forson stated that the Ghana Audit Service has completed 91% of the audit across all 16 regions, estimating a recovery of GH¢150.4 million in unearned salaries from 2023 and 2024 alone.
He issued a stern warning: public officers who validate ghost names will be held personally liable for the loss of public funds.
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