George Yankah writes: The Controller and Accountant General dismisses Allegations of Putting NPP Delegates on Payroll for Action in January 2024

The CAGD in a rejoinder has dismissed allegation of putting NPP delegates in Akyem Swedru Constituency on payroll for the past two years, and nursing them, just like a poultry farmer would rear chicken for the Christmas, with the intention to use them win the upcoming parliamentary primaries in the new year, January 2024.

This rejoinder from the PRO of CAGD dated 09/12/23, referenced PR/0L/ 08 and addressed to Head of Programs, TV 3 sounds incredible; not up to scratch.

1. The rejoinder lined up the processes, checks and balances involved in the preparation of vouchers and payment of salaries to workers on its payroll.
2. The processes as presented in the rejoinder appear very tight with no lose ends for manipulation; a mark of distinction and integrity for the CAGD and the system.
3. However, Auditor General’s annual reports constantly reveal unexplained losses of millions of Ghc paid to ‘ghost workers’ on payroll prepared by the CAGD. A lot of efforts have been put in place previously to resolve this but to no avail.
4. As a result of these ‘ghost names’ which appear each month, and the determination of government to find a lasting solution to it, the National Identification Authority (NIA) recently provided an opportunity for all workers on CAGD payroll without National Identification cards to register for the cards to be issued to them, so that workers on payroll without Ghana cards would be eliminated for the huge losses to be contained.
5. A special desk was set up at the CAGD for that purpose. The NIA planned for about two weeks operation for the registration of the expected numerous workers without Ghana cards in the ministries enclave and beyond to take advantage and get the cards without any wahala.
6. Unfortunately as reported, the NIA called off the exercise after only two days because of lack of response from the targeted workers. The NIA should have known that ghosts by their nature do not appear in broad daylight. So how should they be invited for registration for Ghana card?
7. Does this lack of response not suggest that this ‘ghost worker’ phenomenon is a reality on the payroll of the CAGD?
8. Is it also not surprising that the, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in a recent public outburst of frustration has expressed interest to open investigations into the ‘ghost names’ saga on CAGD payroll, apart from other corruption areas of concern to the office?
9. The OSP also promised to begin investigating from the CAGD to the MDAs/MMDAs and finally to identified Banks where the illegal monies are secretly and professionally cashed and disbursed to beneficiaries along the trail.
10. This rejoinder did not answer questions but has rather opened a can of worms which may eventually devour some officials of the CAGD and other accomplices along the stretch to the banks if properly scrutinised by the OSP.
11. This is a very serious allegation, and it is surprising why the CAGD did not ask for retraction or apology from the Bongo MP who made the allegation, followed by legal action to prove his innocence if the MP should remain adamant.
12. So far, the path chosen by the OSP to resolve this canker appears to be the best way out.
13. However, it remains to be seen whether the culprits, if identified will not run to the courts to seek injunction against arrest, investigation or prosecution as others may have done according to the OSP.

12th December, 2023