CAGD dismisses GHC427m salary overpayment claims

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has dismissed reports alleging that a senior civil servant at the Ministry of Defence received unearned salaries totalling GH¢427 million over a 29-month period.

In a statement issued on Monday, April 20, 2026, the Department described the claim as false, insisting that Ghana’s payroll system has safeguards that make such a payment impossible.

According to CAGD, the Government of Ghana payroll system operates with strict controls and automated checks that only allow approved pay structures from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to be processed for eligible employees based on their conditions of service.

It explained that salary payments are subjected to multiple layers of validation, including verification by heads of institutions, internal checks, and online quality assurance processes before any disbursement is made.

The Department further noted that additional safeguards such as variance analysis, conditions-of-service verification, and reconciliation with banking institutions are embedded in the system to ensure accuracy and prevent irregular payments.

CAGD maintained that under the current payroll arrangement, it is not possible for a government employee to receive salaries beyond what is legally due.

It therefore urged the public and media to exercise caution and verify such claims before publication, especially when they relate to sensitive public financial matters, warning against the spread of misinformation.