The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has restated its dedication to bolstering fiscal responsibility, adopting digital advancements, and improving professional skills throughout Ghana’s system of public financial management. This core sentiment was highlighted during the 2025 CAGD Annual Conference, which took place between April 24th and 25th in Ho within the Volta Region.
With the theme “Strengthening Exemplary Public Financial Management,” the gathering assembled high-ranking governmental personnel, finance specialists, and public sector accountants nationwide for reflection, strategic planning, and reinforcing the pillars of Ghana’s economic oversight.
At the inaugural session, the Controller and Accountant-General, Mr. Kwasi Agyei, underscored the pivotal function his department serves in protecting national monetary integrity. He further underlined their pledge towards maintaining accurate payrolls, noting that more than 4,000 non-compliant workers were recently removed from state remuneration lists after thorough verification processes.
Additionally, Mr. Kwasi Agyei disclosed several initiatives set forth with the objective of boosting payroll information protection and reliability.
- The payroll system will employ robust data encryption, strict access controls, and multi-factor authentication to safeguard confidential employee details against unauthorized access and potential data breaches. By doing so, this method ensures the privacy and accuracy of payroll records, adhering to stringent data protection requirements.
- Introduce routine biometric authentication methods like fingerprints or facial recognition to guarantee precise staff confirmation and thwart payroll deceit. Such steps will minimize the likelihood of fictitious workers or unauthorized alterations to payrolls, thereby improving general oversight and responsibility in payroll management.
- Carry out routine data audits, reconciliations, and penetration tests to detect any weaknesses or inconsistencies within the payroll system. Implementing this forward-thinking approach can enhance the safeguarding of your systems and better protect payroll information.
- Engage the Internal Audit Agency to include Internal Auditors in the payroll validation process. This will improve the integrity of the payroll system.
“Beyond transaction processing lies our true mission,” stated Mr. Agyei. “As custodians of public faith, each day requires us to maintain unparalleled levels of openness, expertise, and creativity when handling governmental funds.”
Additionally, he pointed out the department’s progress toward adopting IPSAS, enhancing Ghana’s accounting practices particularly in intricate sectors like private-public collaborations, mineral rights revenues, customs storage facilities, and retirement benefits.
In lieu of the Minister for Finance, Honorable Cassiel Ato Forson (MP), Deputy Minister Honorable Thomas Ampem Nyarko (MP) addressed the gathering praising the Controller and Accountant General’s Division (CAGD) contributions towards meeting the nation-wide budgetary goals detailed in the 2025 Fiscal Strategy Document. Emphasizing digital transformation, prudent spending oversight, and ongoing skill enhancement as essential elements fostering robust economics during President John Dramani Mahama’s tenure, he remarked, “To construct a financially responsible, technologically integrated society centered around citizens’ needs—that is our objective; one where the CAGD plays an indispensable function.”
Chairman at the opening ceremony, Togbe Afede XIV—King of Asogli Kingdom—urged those managing finances to view fiscal stewardship not just as routine paperwork but rather as vital support pillars within democratic systems and societal advancement. Highlighting persistent improvement, training initiatives, and prioritized communication with constituents were crucial aspects moving forward.
Represented through the chief directorial office of Volta Region Administration by the regional coordinating council leader, Honorable Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa expressed warm greetings welcoming attendees into what was described as culturally vibrant yet administratively accountable territory. Reaffirmation came forth regarding adherence principles governing sound leadership and monetary discipline across regions.
Dr. Evans Aggrey-Darko who leads civil service operations reminded everyone about adhering strictly to ethical guidelines ensuring superior performance throughout finance-related activities. Assertively declaring accountability over every single currency unit utilized being non-negotiable.
Speaking further, Managing Director at National Investment Bank (NIB)—Dr. Doli-Wura Zakaria—underscored achieving peak effectiveness necessitates strict compliance with pertinent laws concerning resource allocation among tasks performed daily. Encouragement extended calling upon closer collaboration linking both institutions aiming higher benchmarks together.
The summit concluded producing several significant commitments including enhanced pledges aligned firmly behind these core objectives.
- Enhance accountability measures within the public sector.
- Expand the use of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) across all 261 MMDAs.
- Commit to ongoing professional growth, as more than 3,000 financial staff members are scheduled for training by 2026.
- Enhance payroll system security with biometric verification and continuous data monitoring.
- Increase the implementation of IPSAS in order to boost transparency and improve the global comparability of Ghana’s financial reports.
- Get ready for Ghana’s hosting of the 3rd annual conference of the African Association of Accountants-General in Accra this coming November 2025.
The two-day gathering featured technical sessions, panel discussions, and award ceremonies honoring exceptional employees from all 16 regions and departments. In their concluding statement, the CAGD committed to continuing as a key ally to the government in fostering sustainable economic progress, enhancing budgetary control, and guaranteeing that public funds are administered with unparalleled integrity, effectiveness, and creativity. This year’s 2025 Annual Conference reinforced the department’s standing as a crucial element in Ghana’s push for a clear and robust financial system, one equipped to bolster national advancement amid today’s intricate worldwide economic landscape. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
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