Ghana’s Auditor-General has uncovered GHS 7,494,975.34 improperly disbursed to four deceased pensioners. These payments occurred over seven years, from February 2019 to March 2026.
This substantial sum was paid into the bank accounts of dead individuals due to severe weaknesses in Ghana's public pension system. The irregularities point to poor oversight and delayed action by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD).
This incident fits a broader pattern of financial mismanagement in Ghana's public sector. The Auditor-General’s Report on the Public Accounts of Ghana for the year ended December 31, 2025, details these findings. It highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring accountability for public funds. The 2025 audit also noted a 156% increase in MDA financial irregularities, reaching GHS 5.27 billion.
The Auditor-General has directed the Controller and Accountant-General to recover the full amount. This recovery must include interest, calculated at the prevailing Bank of Ghana lending rate. The funds are to be recovered from the next-of-kin who may have accessed these payments. Failure to recover the funds will lead to legal action against both the involved banks and the next-of-kin. Any recovered money must go into the Auditor-General’s Recoveries Account at the Bank of Ghana.
These payments violated Regulation 88 of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378). This regulation requires immediate verification to prevent payments to deceased beneficiaries. The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department must improve its processes to prevent such recurrences. Enhanced data sharing between relevant government agencies, such as the National Identification Authority and the Registrar General’s Department, could bolster verification efforts. This would help prevent financial leakages and ensure public funds are used appropriately. Policymakers will likely face increased pressure to implement stricter controls and accountability measures. This is crucial for maintaining public trust and managing the national budget effectively. The public will watch closely for the effectiveness of the recovery efforts and any systemic reforms.