The Ghana Audit Service has announced a crucial nationwide payroll audit set to commence on May 20, 2025. This significant exercise, initiated following the Auditor-General's letter no. AG/01/25/09, aims to ensure transparency and accountability across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) throughout the country.
According to an official communication from the Audit Service, signed by Ali Mohammed Zakaria, Deputy Auditor-General (CGAD) for the Auditor-General, all affected entities are urged to prepare for the upcoming audit. The letter emphasizes the need for "smooth performance and completion of the audit on time."
Key expectations for MDAs include:
Unhindered Access: Auditors must be granted full, unhindered access to "all books, returns and other documents."
Comprehensive Information: This includes both physical and electronic records, specifically mentioning "documents in computerized and electronic form."
Constitutional Mandate: The audit's legal basis is firmly rooted in Article 187(3) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 11(2) of the Audit Service Act, 2000, underscoring its statutory importance.
All Agencies allied with various Ministries have also been advised to ensure their readiness for this comprehensive review. The Audit Service concludes by expressing its reliance on the full cooperation of all entities involved to facilitate a successful and efficient audit process.
This nationwide payroll audit is a critical step in Ghana's ongoing efforts to enhance good governance and accountability in public expenditure. Ministries and Agencies are advised to act promptly to ensure all necessary documentation and systems are in order for the scheduled commencement.
