PAC member demands crackdown on payroll fraud

Member of Parliament for Kpando, Sebastian Deh, has called for tougher measures to tackle systemic failures that allow civil servants to receive unearned salaries.

Speaking to journalists after the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) sitting, Mr. Deh, who serves on the committee, expressed deep concern over persistent payroll irregularities.

He cited the 2024 Auditor-General’s report, which revealed that payroll issues alone accounted for GHS 58 million out of over GHS 3 billion in total financial irregularities.

“What worries me most are the payroll irregularities. That GHS 58 million could have been lost if the auditors hadn’t uncovered it. It’s a serious loophole draining the public purse,” he said.

Mr. Deh stressed the need for comprehensive reforms, including stricter validation procedures, tighter controls, and improved monitoring systems, to prevent further financial losses and ensure accountability in the public sector.