The Controller and Accountant-General's Department (CAGD) in Ghana has clarified that its verification process for teachers' promotion-related payments is not intended to delay or frustrate workers. According to Public Relations Officer Cephas Dosu, the department must cross-check promotion records submitted by the Ghana Education Service (GES) before processing payments. This process is necessary to ensure that government funds are paid to the right beneficiaries.
The verification process involves checking promotion letters and comprehensive lists of affected teachers provided by GES. The relevant input forms must contain details, including the staff member's number, name, previous grade, and new grade. CAGD then verifies the information, including the preparer and authoriser of the documents, before proceeding with payment. This rigorous process is necessary to prevent errors and wrongful payments.
The large number of promotion cases makes proper verification necessary. According to Mr. Dosu, at one point, there were over 80,000 teachers in their promotion room, and at another point, 60,000. He questioned why CAGD should be expected to process such numbers without first checking whether the information submitted is accurate. The department must rely on additional information to establish the identity of the person entitled to the promotion.
In cases where several teachers have similar names, the department must take extra precautions to ensure that the correct person receives the promotion. For instance, on the system, there can be multiple Kofi Manu, and the department must verify that the person given the promotion is the correct one. This process is necessary to protect public funds and ensure that promotion benefits go to legitimate beneficiaries.
The CAGD's verification process is not intended to frustrate teachers but to protect the government's money. According to Mr. Dosu, without teachers, Ghana wouldn't be where it is today. However, the department must ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively. Once the necessary checks are completed, the department can be confident that the money is being paid to the correct people.
The ongoing teacher unions' strike has brought attention to the verification process. Mr. Dosu's explanation comes as a relief to stakeholders who were concerned about the delay in processing promotion payments. The CAGD's commitment to protecting public funds and ensuring that promotion benefits go to legitimate beneficiaries is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the education system.
The CAGD has assured that once the verification process is completed, payments will be made promptly. The department is working to ensure that the academic calendar is not disrupted. Key points include:
Key points
- The CAGD's verification process aims to protect government funds and prevent errors and wrongful payments.
- The process involves cross-checking promotion records submitted by GES and verifying the identity of teachers entitled to promotions.
- The CAGD's verification process is necessary to ensure that promotion benefits go to legitimate beneficiaries.
