The Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has updated the leadership of Ghana’s tertiary education sector: 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), on the ongoing payroll reforms, particularly the audit being conducted by the Auditor-General.

This engagement was prompted by a request they submitted regarding the disbursement of the Book and Research Allowance.

The Finance Minister told them that preliminary findings indicate a significant presence of ghost names on the payroll.

This situation, he said, if addressed decisively, could yield substantial savings for the public purse.

He urged the union leaders to lend their support to this national exercise of payroll audit.

Regarding the Unions’ request to the government to release the rate for the book and research allowances and payments, Dr Forson, during the engagement with the unions, also assured them that the allowance has been fully captured in the 2025 Budget.

He said he had since initiated the necessary processes in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education to ensure its release.

“I also commended the unions for their constructive proposal to establish a dedicated Labour Relations Desk within the Ministry of Finance.

“This initiative, once operationalised, will strengthen coordination with our counterparts on the labour front and enhance dialogue and responsiveness.”

He stressed that “During our meeting, I took the opportunity to update the leadership on ongoing payroll reforms, particularly the audit being conducted by the Auditor-General. Preliminary findings indicate a significant presence of ghost names on the payroll, a situation that, if addressed decisively, could yield substantial savings for the public purse.

“I urged the union leaders to lend their support to this important national exercise. Cleaning the payroll is not only about fiscal prudence; it is also about restoring integrity and fairness in public sector compensation.

“We remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders to build a sustainable, equitable, and accountable public service.”