A new investigation has revealed what it describes as a large payroll fraud case involving a senior government official who allegedly received GH¢427 million in salaries he did not earn over 29 months.
The report, published by The Fourth Estate on April 20, 2026, names Frank Oliver Kpodo, a former Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Defence, as the main person involved.
According to findings from the Auditor-General, Mr Kpodo reportedly received more than GH¢14 million every month between January 2023 and June 2025, even though he is said to have done little or no work during that time.
The audit also found that over 6,000 government workers together received more than GH¢800 million in unearned salaries. Out of this amount, Mr Kpodo alone is said to account for more than half.
The report has raised serious concerns about problems in Ghana’s public payroll system, which appears to be weak and open to abuse.
The Auditor-General has advised that all unqualified names should be removed from the payroll immediately and that the money paid out should be recovered.
The issue has also been discussed by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, especially after another case involving a GH¢4.8 million vehicle contract that was never carried out. Lawmakers are now calling for Mr Kpodo to be suspended and prosecuted.
The investigation also mentioned Evans Agbeme Dzikum, who was the Chief Director at the Ministry of Defence at the time and was responsible for approving finances.
Experts believe this situation may involve more than one person. Financial analyst Nana Kwaku Amankwah Appiah said such payments could not have happened without help from others within the system.
Procurement expert Kobina Ata-Bedu also called for stricter enforcement of the law.
Peter Quartey, a professor at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, said payroll fraud has been a long-standing problem in Ghana due to weaknesses in the system and the role of certain officials.
In response, Mr Kpodo has denied any wrongdoing. He said he was not aware of any improper payments and insisted that his salaries were processed through official systems with valid payslips.
