Exposed: Over GH¢150M Lost to Ghost Workers on Gov’t Payroll
GH¢150 Million Lost to Ghost Names: Payroll Audit Uncovers Shocking Fraud
A sweeping payroll audit has revealed that Ghana may have lost over GH¢150 million in fake salaries. The audit flagged more than 14,000 ghost names on the government payroll.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson disclosed the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament.
Audit Across All 16 Regions
The Ghana Audit Service conducted the investigation in all 16 regions. So far, 91% of the audit is complete.
“We could not verify over 14,000 names on the payroll,” Dr Forson stated.
Additionally, over 53,000 separated staff — retired, reassigned, deceased, or ineligible individuals — were still receiving payments.
Unearned Salaries Could Top GH¢150.4 Million
Dr Forson said the government will recover at least GH¢150.4 million from these irregular payments covering the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.
“We must stop this leakage,” he told Parliament.
New Monthly Payroll Validation Coming
To stop the fraud, the Finance Ministry will enforce monthly payroll checks. Departments must validate staff data each month, or face consequences.
Dr Forson warned public officers:
“Anyone who validates ghost names will be held personally accountable.”
Future Measures to Prevent Ghost Names
More reforms are expected. The Ministry of Finance plans to install permanent checks and real-time payroll monitoring to prevent future ghost name abuse.
“The Ministry will not stop until ghost names disappear for good,” Dr Forson assured.
🟢 Take-Home Message
Ghana’s payroll system faces a serious challenge. Ghost names and unearned salaries are draining public funds. With over GH¢150 million at stake, the government must act quickly.
The Finance Ministry is rolling out new measures. But real change depends on strict enforcement, monthly validation, and accountability at all levels.
