Ghana's Finance Minister Pledges to Publish "Ghost Names" on Government Payroll

Accra, Ghana – July 28, 2025 – The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced a significant measure aimed at tackling payroll fraud within the government. In a statement widely circulated and appearing on platforms such as XYZ Online, the Minister affirmed that "All ghost names on Gov't payroll will be published."

This declaration signals a strong commitment from the government to enhance transparency and accountability in public expenditure. The presence of "ghost names" – individuals who are not legitimate employees but are still on the payroll – has long been a challenge for public financial management in Ghana, leading to substantial financial losses.

While the specific timeline for the publication of these names was not detailed in the available information, the announcement itself is a clear indication of the government's resolve to clean up the public sector payroll. This move is expected to pave the way for a more efficient and credible public service, ensuring that taxpayer money is utilized for genuine and productive purposes.

The Controller and Accountant General's Department (CAGD) is expected to play a crucial role in the execution of this directive, as they are responsible for managing the government's payroll system.

This initiative is anticipated to be a critical step in ongoing efforts to strengthen financial discipline and combat corruption within the public sector.