‘We’re not frustrating teachers; we want to protect govt’s money’ – CAGD

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has clarified that its verification process for teachers' promotion-related payments is not aimed at causing delays or frustration for educators, but rather to ensure that government funds are correctly allocated to the right individuals. CAGD's Public Relations Officer, Cephas Dosu, stated this during an interview on Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem, amidst a teachers' strike.

Dosu explained that the department must verify promotion records submitted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) before processing payments. This necessity arises from the sheer volume of promotion cases, which can range from 60,000 to over 80,000 teachers at any given time. Dosu questioned why CAGD should be expected to process such a large number of cases without first confirming the accuracy of the information submitted.

He emphasized that the department cannot simply allow payments to proceed without a cross-check to ensure accuracy.

In cases where teachers share similar names, CAGD relies on additional information to correctly identify the individual who is entitled to the promotion. For instance, if the system lists multiple individuals with the same name, such as "Kofi Manu," CAGD must have further details to establish the correct identity before proceeding with the payment. This verification process includes checking the preparer and authoriser of the documents before payment is made.

The relevant inputs for this process consist of promotion letters and, in cases of large numbers, a comprehensive list of affected teachers. The input forms must also include essential details, such as the staff member's number, name, previous grade, and new grade. CAGD then verifies this information, including the preparer and authoriser, before proceeding with the payment.

Dosu stressed that these procedures are vital for protecting public funds and ensuring that promotion benefits reach legitimate recipients. He emphasized that these efforts are not intended to frustrate teachers, as they are essential for the department's ability to function and provide the necessary services. CAGD aims to pay promotion amounts to the rightful owners once all necessary checks have been completed, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of government funds.