The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD), has issued a robust rejoinder, vehemently denying allegations recently made on live telecast on Tv3’s morning show “Thekeypoint,” that he has smuggled delegates of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), in Akyem Sweden constituency where he is eyeing to contest as parliamentary candidate onto government payroll.
The allegations, made by the Bongo MP Edward Bawa, a panelist during the Saturday, September 9, 2023 broadcast, claimed that the CAGD had placed the names of delegates on the government payroll, resulting in two years of unauthorized salary withdrawals.
The CAGD, responsible for overseeing the financial management and payroll administration of the Government of Ghana, has firmly rejected these claims. The department, in a statement from its Public Relations Directorate, highlighted its commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Unit stated that,the payroll system in question, as outlined by the CAGD, involves a complex and meticulously designed process with multiple layers of scrutiny, verification, and established protocols.
Employer MDAs/MMDAs play a crucial role in initiating various payroll processes, with the CAGD ensuring validation through Electronic Salary Payment Vouchers (ESPV) before salaries are disbursed.
The department emphasized that it operates under a system of checks and balances, incorporating internal and external audits, as well as regular reviews by independent bodies to prevent any form of malpractice or abuse. Any irregularities in the payroll system, the CAGD assured, would be promptly identified and thoroughly investigated.
The CAGD welcomed independent investigations into the allegations, expressing its commitment to restoring and upholding the reputation of the Controller and Accountant-General and the integrity of the entire department.
The department’s statement stressed the importance of relying on credible evidence and due process of verifications before making serious accusations.
“The doors of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department remain open to scrutiny, with a firm belief that the truth will prevail” The statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has already initiated investigations into suspicions of payroll fraud, citing the inclusion of ghost names and nonexistent persons in the payroll, resulting in unnecessary salary withdrawal.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
