The Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) has implemented a stringent measure to freeze the salaries of public sector workers without Ghana Card numbers starting March 5, 2024.

This move aims to eliminate ghost names and enhance the credibility of the government's payroll.

The announcement was made by the Controller and Accountant-General, Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompen, during a ceremony in Accra where the linking of National Identification Authority (NIA) data to the CAGD payroll was unveiled.

Mr Kwaning-Bosompen emphasised the significance of this measure in eliminating fraudulent entries from the government's payroll.

He stated: “With the effect of March 24, this year, all employees without Ghana Card face the risk of not being paid on the government payroll.”

Mr Kwaning-Bosompen urged public sector employees to register for their Ghana Cards at any NIA office nationwide to avoid salary disruptions. 

However, he clarified that this new modality is intended to enhance existing controls and protocols, ensuring a credible database.

“This linkage between the national payroll and NIA database has not come to replace existing payroll controls and protocols,” he reiterated.