Ghana: Government suspends salaries of 26,000 public sector workers

Event

Ghana's Ministry of Finance has suspended the salaries of around 26,000 public sector workers, as part of a drive against government corruption. Local media have reported that several people have been mistakenly targeted in the suspension. Protests are possible.

Ghana's finance ministry announced the move in a statement in the last week of April, stating that it had directed the April salaries of 26,589 workers to be suspended for failing to comply with a directive asking them to register with the biometric system of the country's social security fund, SSNIT. The ministry also stated that those whose salaries may have been mistakenly blocked would be rectified and paid on May 15.

Context

The government crackdown on corruption within the public sector follows a payroll audit conducted by the finance ministry, which was authorized by President Nana-akuffo-Addo. The audit alleged that so-called "ghost workers" were costing the Ghanaian government over USD 103 million a year.

Advice

Individuals present in Ghana are advised to stay away from public gatherings, as violence may flare up without warning.

On a separate note, Individuals should exercise caution due to relatively high crime rates, particularly in Accra and other major cities (maintain a low profile, be particularly vigilant at night, be aware that criminals may be armed, etc.). Furthermore, individuals present in the country are advised to be particularly prudent in the northeastern regions where there are periodic outbreaks of violence and occasional curfews.