A financial expert, Bismark Owusu, is calling on the Auditor-General to provide a more comprehensive explanation regarding the salary controversy involving Frank Oliver Kpodo, warning that the issue could erode public trust if not properly addressed.
The call follows earlier reports in which the Auditor-General attributed a staggering GH¢427,995,661.40 in unearned salaries to a single public servant, Mr. Kpodo.
However, in a subsequent press release dated April 21, 2026, the Auditor-General’s office clarified that the amount was not paid to Mr. Kpodo. Instead, it explained that the figure related to payroll irregularities involving 3,476 unaccounted-for staff under the Ministry of Education.
Reacting in an interview with Adom News, Mr. Owusu described the initial attribution as a misrepresentation of facts and cautioned against a repeat of such errors.
“Such an error should not be repeated. It has the potential to erode public trust in the reports of the Auditor-General,” he said.
While acknowledging the office’s clarification and apology, he stressed that more transparency is needed to fully restore public confidence.
“The apology is commendable, but it is not enough. The Auditor-General must go further to clearly explain where the money went, if it was not paid to Mr. Kpodo,” he added.
Mr. Owusu also questioned how such a significant figure could have been linked to an individual in the first place, given the systems within the Auditor-General’s office.
“The Auditor-General’s office has robust systems. It is difficult to understand how such a huge amount could be attributed to one person without thorough verification,” he noted.
He further highlighted the potential development impact of the disputed funds, stressing that the amount could have supported critical areas such as healthcare, education, and public sector salaries.
“This amount could have supported key development needs such as building CHPS compounds, paying workers, and improving educational infrastructure, but instead it has been caught up in discrepancies,” he said.
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