Auditor-General retracts error that linked Frank Oliver Kpodo to GH¢427m payroll scandal

The Auditor-General’s Office has officially withdrawn a significant error contained in its nationwide payroll audit report, acknowledging that it mistakenly attributed an amount of GH¢427,995,661.40 in unearned salaries to a single public servant, Frank Oliver Kpodo.

In a press release issued on April 21, 2026, the Office clarified that the figure was not received by Mr Kpodo. Instead, the amount relates to widespread payroll irregularities involving 3,476 unaccounted-for staff under the Ministry of Education. The clarification comes after widespread public concern and media discussions that followed the initial publication of the report.

According to the statement, which was signed by Assistant Director of Audit Frederick Lokko, the error resulted from a transpositional mistake during the compilation of the report. The Office admitted that the incorrect attribution created a misleading impression that a single individual had improperly received nearly GH¢428 million in salary payments.

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The original audit report, dated November 20, 2025, sparked intense public reaction after several media outlets reported that one individual had been paid the massive sum as unearned salaries. The development raised concerns about accountability and financial oversight within Ghana’s public payroll system.

In its latest communication, the Auditor-General’s Office issued a direct and unreserved apology to Mr Frank Oliver Kpodo, acknowledging the distress and reputational damage caused by the error. The Office stated that the mistake subjected him to unnecessary public scrutiny and undue pressure.

The statement further extended apologies to the Government of Ghana, the general public, and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department for any confusion and concern caused by the inaccurate report.

Following the correction, the Office provided a breakdown of the actual payroll irregularities identified during the audit. The Ministry of Education recorded the highest number of anomalies, with 3,476 unaccounted staff linked to the GH¢427,995,661.40 figure.

The Ministry of Health was the second most affected, with 1,363 unaccounted staff valued at GH¢166,869,874.19. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development recorded 597 unaccounted staff, amounting to GH¢84,777,594.97.

Overall, the nationwide payroll audit uncovered a total of 6,270 unaccounted-for staff across 34 public institutions, with a combined financial impact of GH¢801,808,427.04. The findings highlight ongoing challenges in payroll management and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent financial irregularities within the public sector.