The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has disclosed the discovery of fourteen thousand ghost names on the government payroll, raising fresh concerns about irregularities in public sector recruitment and wage administration.

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Citi FM on Friday, July 25, 2025, Dr. Forson revealed that the ghost workers were primarily found in the security, education, and health sectors. 

This, he  said, runs into several millions of Ghana cedis annually

He indicated that these were recruitments made in the last quarter of 2024, but the individuals in question could not be validated.

The Finance Minister said his ministry, in collaboration with the Auditor-General, has commenced a comprehensive audit of the public payroll to sanitize the system. 

He added that the ongoing audit, which is 90 percent complete, has also uncovered about 53,000 “separated staff” — individuals who have retired but are still receiving salaries.

“These are people who are no longer in active service and should not be on the payroll. Yet, they continue to draw salaries,” Dr. Forson noted.

He noted that the Auditor-General is happy, and he is now working  

Despite the irregularities, the Minister stated that newly hired individuals who were engaged improperly will not be dismissed.

 “Sacking them is not an option we are pursuing,” he said. 

“They are Ghanaians,” he added in a measured tone, suggesting a humane approach to resolving the issue.

Dr. Forson assured the public that the Ministry is committed to ensuring a clean and credible payroll system.