The Ghanaian government, in its 2025 budget, has allocated GHC48 million towards a comprehensive training and certification program for over 3,200 public financial managers and accountants. This initiative aims to enhance their proficiency in international public sector accounting standards (IPSAS) compliance, digital reporting, and internal audit standards. This strategic investment aligns with President John Mahama’s vision for public sector digitization and fiscal accountability, focusing on enhancing systems and investing in human capital development. The government recognizes that a digitally skilled and ethically sound public workforce is crucial for efficient and transparent financial management, ultimately bolstering public trust and confidence in the government’s fiscal operations. This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing public financial management practices in Ghana.
The training program is part of a broader strategy to modernize public financial management and promote accountability. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr. Thomas Ampem Darko, emphasized the government’s commitment to cost-saving innovations, highlighting the collaborative development of a Digital Treasury Dashboard with the Controller and Accountant General Department (CAGD). This dashboard will be piloted in five ministries, enabling real-time monitoring of fund disbursements and project progress. By leveraging technology, the government aims to achieve a 15% reduction in administrative waste, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring efficient utilization of public funds. Beyond the technological advancements, the government recognizes the critical importance of restoring public confidence and trust in its financial management practices.
To further enhance payroll integrity, the government is rolling out the second phase of an integrated payroll and personal database. This initiative aims to eliminate ghost names from the payroll system, a persistent challenge that drains public resources. By implementing this system, the government anticipates annual savings of approximately GHC300 million, demonstrating the significant impact of technology-driven solutions in addressing fiscal challenges. The commitment to payroll integrity underscores the government’s dedication to responsible financial management and the efficient use of taxpayer funds.
In addition to the payroll initiative, the government is implementing a new Electronic Assets and Liabilities Declaration System. This system, developed in partnership with the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Audit Service, aims to bolster transparency and accountability among public officers. By requiring electronic declaration of assets and liabilities, the government seeks to enhance public scrutiny and minimize the potential for corruption. This measure aligns with the government’s broader anti-corruption efforts, promoting ethical conduct and fostering a culture of accountability within the public sector.
The 2025 Annual Conference of the Controller and Accountant General Department (CAGD), held in Ho, provided a platform for discussing these crucial reforms and strategies. The conference, themed “Enhancing Public Financial Management Excellence,” brought together accountants and related professionals from across the country. This forum facilitated the exchange of knowledge and best practices, contributing to the ongoing efforts to improve public financial management in Ghana. The conference served as a testament to the government’s commitment to continuous improvement and professional development within the public finance sector.
While the central government implements these reforms, regional concerns also arise. The Volta Regional Minister, represented by Mr. Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), raised the issue of the relocation of the CAGD’s Disaster Recovery Centre to the Ashanti region. He called for the Centre’s return to the Volta region, emphasizing the lack of explanation for the initial relocation. This regional perspective highlights the importance of considering local needs and context when implementing national-level policies. The request for the Centre’s return reflects the regional government’s desire to ensure adequate disaster preparedness and response capabilities within their jurisdiction.
