The government's drive to eliminate ghost names from the payroll system could receive a boost with the intervention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

As outlined in the OSP's half-year report unveiled on December 29, 2023, their assessment and investigation are targeted at eradicating fictitious names and recovering payments made in error.

The OSP has issued a warning that individuals identified to be engaged in any form of wrongdoing related to ghost names or erroneous payments will face prosecution.

“The Office has commenced corruption risk assessment and investigation into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences in respect of the Government of Ghana payroll administration.

“The assessment and investigation are especially aimed at isolating and removing non-existent names, recovering wrongful payments, and the prosecution of persons suspected to be culpable for any offence(s).”

The collaboration between the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the Controller and Accountant General's Department signals a concerted effort to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the issue of ghost names and erroneous payments on the government payroll.

The OSP emphasized that the scope of this investigation extends to include all banks and employees enlisted on the government payroll.

By partnering with the Controller and Accountant General's Department, which plays a pivotal role in managing public finances, the OSP aims to ensure a thorough and systematic assessment.

joint project team of selected staff of the two institutions has been formed for the purpose,” OSP stated in its report.

“The exercise is being carried out in two phases. Phase I covers the Ghana Education Service and the health institutions. Phase II covers all other Metropolitan/Municipal/District Assemblies, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.”

In addition to its focus on the issue of ghost names and erroneous payments in the government payroll, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is concurrently investigating 152 other cases at various stages of examination.

“These would be publicised if the Special Prosecutor determines that they are within the mandate of the Office and that they should be moved past the preliminary investigation stage."

"This is a policy intended to protect the privacy of individuals and the business operations of institutions and companies, and to avoid unnecessary stigmatisation."