GHANA
Public Servants in Ghana’s Central Region routinely use forged certificates to gain employment and promotions, an audit has found.
Deputy Auditor-General, George Winful (pictured) told a press conference the practice was so widespread that it was possible a majority of PS staff were receiving salaries they did not merit.
He did not give further details but said investigations were continuing and those involved could lose their jobs.
“There have been instances where some have used others’ certificates to gain employment,” Mr Winful said.
“This could be the reason the country is registering poor results in our senior high schools, as so many teachers are not properly qualified.”
He called on Heads of Departments to be meticulous in their recruitment of people into the Public Service and to do background checks on those who were already employed, especially when they applied for promotion.
Mr Winful said he had also come across worrying instances of positions being “sold” by Heads of Departments.
“All of this is leading to bloated payrolls, which are unsustainable,” he said.
“The Ghana Audit Service is committed to ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the exercise, which will now be extended nationwide.”
Mr Winful said the audit would now move to the Western Region and he urged all PS staff to be ready with original copies of their appointment letters, academic certificates, promotion letters and identification cards.
Accra, 30 July 2018
