Mr Kwasi Agyei, Controller and Accountant-General of Ghana, has outlined a number of reforms being implemented by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public financial management.
The reforms were disclosed during a briefing with Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, in Ho on Monday when Mr Agyei led a delegation to the Minister as part of his working visit to the Volta Region.
Mr Agyei said one of the key reforms involved the integration of pension and payroll databases with systems of the National Identification Authority and the Births and Deaths Registry to help eliminate ghost names from government payrolls.
According to him, the initiative formed part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and ensure that only legitimate beneficiaries receive salaries and pension payments.
He also disclosed that the Department was gradually phasing out the use of manual cheques in favour of electronic payment systems to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and minimise opportunities for financial irregularities.
Mr Agyei further revealed plans for decentralised and localised recruitment within the Department to create employment opportunities for qualified professionals within the various regions.
He explained that the initiative would help strengthen local capacity and improve service delivery at the regional and district levels.
Mr James Gunu commended the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for the reforms and described them as important interventions toward improving public sector financial management.
The Regional Minister encouraged staff of the Department to support the successful implementation of the reforms to ensure greater efficiency and accountability within the public service.
Mr Gunu also welcomed the proposed localised recruitment initiative, stating that it would create more employment opportunities for qualified residents in the Volta Region.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council to collaborate with state institutions to promote good governance, accountability, and improved public service delivery in the region.
GNA
