The Auditor-General’s Office has corrected a significant mistake in its nationwide payroll audit, acknowledging that it incorrectly blamed public servant Frank Oliver Kpodo for GH¢427,995,661.40 in unearned salaries.
In an April 21, 2026 press release, the Office explained that the amount was not received by Mr. Kpodo but was instead tied to payroll discrepancies involving 3,476 unaccounted-for employees under the Ministry of Education.
“We wish to clarify that the figure linked to Mr. Kpodo resulted from a transposition error,” stated the release, which was signed by Frederick Lokko, Assistant Director of Audit.
The initial report, issued on November 20, 2025, drew public outrage after media reports implied that a single individual had pocketed nearly GH¢428 million in undeserved salary payments.
The Auditor-General’s Office issued a direct apology to Mr. Kpodo, admitting that the error caused him emotional distress and exposed him to unfair public criticism.
“We extend our deepest and unreserved apologies to Mr. Frank Oliver Kpodo for any distress and undue public attention this mistake may have brought upon him,” the statement added.
The Office also apologized to the government, the Ghanaian people, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
According to the revised figures, the Ministry of Education had the most payroll irregularities, with 3,476 unaccounted staff members amounting to GH¢427,995,661.40.
Next was the Ministry of Health, with 1,363 unaccounted staff totaling GH¢166,869,874.19, followed by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, which had 597 staff valued at GH¢84,777,594.97.
Overall, the payroll audit uncovered 6,270 unaccounted staff across 34 public institutions, representing a total value of GH¢801,808,427.04.
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