In a bold step to enhance public sector accountability and tackle payroll irregularities, the Auditor-General has launched a sweeping nationwide payroll audit aimed at rooting out inefficiencies, ghost names, and unauthorized payments within government payroll structures.
The exercise, which spans a two-year period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, will focus on all institutions listed under the Controller and Accountant-General’s payroll system, including subvented organizations, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
A physical headcount of all staff receiving government salaries will be conducted as part of efforts to verify the authenticity of employees and their compensation claims.
According to a statement from the Office of the Auditor-General, the audit seeks to restore fiscal discipline and transparency in public service wage administration.
“This audit is a vital step toward cleaning up the payroll system and safeguarding public funds. We are calling on all institutions to grant full and unhindered access to all records—both physical and digital—to ensure a smooth and timely process,” the statement emphasized.
This move comes amid growing public concern over “ghost workers” and the mounting cost of government payroll, which continues to consume a significant portion of national revenue. Experts have often cited payroll fraud as a major leakage point in public financial management.
The audit is expected to uncover discrepancies such as double salaries, unearned allowances, non-existent employees, and unauthorized appointments, among others. Outcomes from the exercise could lead to sanctions, refunds, and system reforms.
Observers say the Auditor-General’s initiative is a critical test of the government’s resolve to tighten fiscal controls and reduce waste in the public sector, particularly at a time when the nation is seeking to streamline its expenditure and restore macroeconomic stability.
