The Controller and Accountant-General's Department (CAGD) in Ghana has clarified the payroll validation process for promoted teachers. According to the Department, the processing of salary adjustments and promotion arrears for teachers depends on the submission and validation of requisite documents by the Ghana Education Service (GES). This clarification comes after concerns were raised by teacher unions over alleged delays in placing promoted teachers on their appropriate salary scales.
The concerns were raised by the Ghana National Association of Teachers, the National Association of Graduate Teachers, and the Pre-Tertiary Teachers' Association of Ghana. In response, the CAGD stated that it remains committed to the timely and accurate payment of salaries and allowances due to public sector workers. The Department emphasized that payments are made in accordance with approved procedures and payroll controls.
The CAGD explained that the government's payroll administration operates through two main platforms: the Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Database 2 (IPPD2). The HRMIS is managed by employers or management units such as GES, while the IPPD2 is managed by CAGD. Under the established process for promotions and upgrades, GES is required to initiate and effect promotions in the HRMIS and then submit relevant documentation to CAGD for validation and payroll processing.
The required documents for validation and payroll processing include a duly completed and signed promotion/change-of-grade input form, bearing the signatures of an authorised preparer and approver, and a copy of the promotion or upgrading letter issued to the affected employee. The CAGD stated that these documents constitute safeguards against fictitious promotions, unauthorised salary adjustments, and irregular payments.
A meeting was held on August 31, 2026, involving the Minister of Education, Deputy Minister of Education, representatives of the teacher unions, the Director-General of GES, and the Controller and Accountant-General. The meeting agreed that GES would provide CAGD with the master list of promoted staff, promotion letters, and completed input forms. These documents are prerequisites for processing and paying the affected teachers' promotion arrears effective January 1, 2026.
According to the CAGD, GES had submitted 6,079 completed input forms and corresponding promotion letters as of September 22, 2026, representing part of an expected 58,620 cases. The Department stated that all 6,079 cases submitted had been fully processed and paid, with payments made as part of the September 2026 salaries. The CAGD urged stakeholders to work collaboratively and avoid statements that could cause public anxiety or misrepresent the Department's role in payroll administration.
The CAGD reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of the government's payroll. The Department expressed appreciation for the contribution of teachers to national development and assured them that every legitimate payment due would be processed once the required documentation is submitted and validated. The CAGD remains available to engage with the Ministry of Education, GES, teacher unions, and other stakeholders to resolve genuine payroll issues in accordance with due process.
Key points
- The CAGD's payroll validation process for promoted teachers involves submission and validation of documents by GES.
- A total of 6,079 cases have been processed and paid as of September 22, 2026.
- The CAGD remains committed to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of the government's payroll.
