CAGD Directs Public Sector Workers to Update Ghana Card Details on Payroll or Risk Salary Suspension

Public sector workers across Ghana have been directed to urgently update their Ghana Card details on the government payroll system or risk having their salaries suspended.

The directive comes from the (CAGD) as part of ongoing efforts to clean up the public payroll database and strengthen financial accountability in the public sector.

If you are a teacher, nurse, police officer, civil servant, or any government employee, this update directly concerns you.

Why Is CAGD Requesting Ghana Card Updates?

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department is responsible for managing and paying salaries of government workers in Ghana. To enhance transparency and eliminate ghost names from the payroll system, CAGD is aligning payroll records with the national identification system.

The integration of payroll data with the (NIA) database ensures:

• Accurate identification of public servants
• Elimination of duplicate or fake records
• Improved financial accountability
• Stronger verification processes

Workers whose Ghana Card details are not properly updated may face delays or suspension of salary payments.

Who Is Affected?

The directive applies to:

• Teachers under the Ghana Education Service
• Health workers
• Security personnel
• Civil servants
• All other public sector employees paid through the government payroll system

In short, anyone receiving a government salary through CAGD must comply.

What Happens If You Fail to Update?

According to the directive:

• Salaries may be withheld or suspended.
• Payroll records may be flagged for verification.
• Affected workers may be required to undergo additional validation before reinstatement.

To avoid inconvenience, workers are encouraged to act promptly.

What You Need to Do

If you are a public sector worker, follow these steps:

1. Confirm Your Ghana Card Details

Ensure your Ghana Card information matches your payroll records exactly (name order, date of birth, ID number).

2. Contact Your HR or Payroll Office

Visit your institution’s HR department or accounts office to verify whether your Ghana Card details have been captured correctly.

3. Provide Required Documentation

You may be required to submit a copy of your Ghana Card for validation and updating purposes.

4. Complete Any Required Biometric or Data Verification

If requested, comply with further validation processes to avoid payroll interruption.

Why This Matters for Ghana’s Public Sector

This directive forms part of broader public financial reforms aimed at strengthening accountability and reducing financial leakages. Payroll audits in the past have uncovered irregularities, including ghost names and duplicate entries.

By linking payroll records with the Ghana Card system, the government aims to:

• Protect public funds
• Improve salary administration
• Promote transparency
• Enhance trust in public financial management

Important Advice for Public Sector Workers

• Do not ignore the directive.
• Avoid relying on hearsay—seek confirmation from official communication channels.
• Do not pay unofficial agents claiming to “fix” payroll records.
• Update your information early to avoid last-minute pressure.

Final Thoughts

The directive from the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department is a serious administrative measure designed to improve payroll integrity. Public sector workers who fail to update their Ghana Card details risk facing salary suspension until proper verification is completed.

If you are a government employee, act now to confirm your records and ensure uninterrupted salary payments.