The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has issued a critical directive concerning government employees in Ghana, demanding immediate verification of their National Identification Authority (NIA) details to avert a potential disruption to salary payments. The directive, issued on August 24, 2026, signals a significant step in a nationwide employee re-verification exercise initiated by the Department, aimed at streamlining payroll processes and bolstering financial integrity within the government sector. The CAGD’s warning stems from a recent rollout of the upgraded Employee Payslip (E-Payslip) system, which has unfortunately resulted in inconsistencies between employee records and the NIA database. Specifically, the CAGD has reported a concerning number of discrepancies – some employees’ NIA numbers are currently not captured at all, while others lack complete details. According to a statement released on August 24, 2026, the Department stated that the requirement to verify NIA numbers is deemed essential for facilitating the upcoming nationwide re-verification exercise, a process designed to enhance accountability and efficiency within government operations. This exercise is particularly critical given the potential for payroll discrepancies to impact employee compensation. The CAGD has outlined a clear procedure for employees to rectify these issues. Human Resource departments are now tasked with correcting these errors on affected employees’ payrolls, submitting detailed corrections – each accompanied by a cover letter from the designated authority – to the CAGD for validation. Crucially, the CAGD has clarified that under Regulation 9 of the National Identity Register (Amended) Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2523), physical copies of NIA cards are no longer required for submission and inspection. Instead, employees are now directed to ensure their NIA numbers and related identity details are accurately captured within the payroll system through their respective Heads of Human Resources. The CAGD has also issued a stern warning to employees and institutions alike, emphasizing the urgency of compliance with the September 15, 2026, deadline to prevent potential disruptions to salary payments. The Department’s communication underscores the importance of maintaining accurate payroll records and proactively addressing potential discrepancies to ensure the smooth functioning of government operations. The implementation of this re-verification exercise is a strategic move, reflecting a commitment to transparency and operational efficiency within the public sector, though the initial reports have sparked considerable concern among employees and observers. The CAGD further highlighted the potential consequences of non-compliance, including suspension of salaries, with a deadline of September 15, 2026, serving as the definitive point of action for those who fail to rectify their NIA verification status. The Department stresses that this is a precautionary measure, designed to protect the integrity of government finances and ensure employees receive their rightful compensation.”
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Source: Adom Online
