Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has appealed to tertiary education unions to actively support the ongoing national payroll audit, aimed at eliminating ghost names and strengthening transparency in public sector compensation.
Speaking at a meeting with leaders of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), the Technical University Teachers Association of Ghana (TUTAG), and the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), Dr. Forson underscored the critical need to sanitise the payroll system.
He disclosed that initial findings from the Auditor-General’s audit had uncovered numerous ghost names, stressing that removing these could lead to substantial savings for the state.
“This is not just a matter of fiscal discipline, it’s about fairness and ensuring that public resources are managed transparently,” he said.
Further called on the unions to fully support the reform process.
Addressing concerns from the unions, Dr. Forson gave assurances that Book and Research Allowances have been fully accounted for in the 2025 Budget.
He noted that disbursement processes have already begun in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure timely payments.
During the meeting, the unions also proposed the creation of a Labour Relations Desk within the Ministry of Finance to improve dialogue and coordination with organised labour.
Dr. Forson welcomed the suggestion, describing it as a constructive move toward enhanced engagement and responsiveness.
