UG rebuts claims of payroll mismanagement, cites misinterpretation of dual salary system

The University of Ghana has firmly denied recent media claims suggesting it inflated employee compensation by GH¢59.2 million between 2022 and 2024, calling the allegations misleading and factually inaccurate.

The institution’s response comes in the wake of a May 16, 2025 report by Joy News, which referenced the Auditor-General’s findings and pointed to alleged payroll irregularities at the University.

In a press release issued the same day, the University clarified that the alleged “overstatement” was based on a flawed understanding of its dual payroll structure — one funded by the Government of Ghana (GoG) and the other supported by Internally Generated Funds (IGF).

According to the University, the IGF payroll is used to pay staff hired through internal resources, including retired academic staff serving on post-retirement contracts — a practice duly approved by Cabinet. UG stressed that these payments were legitimate and made in accordance with public financial management standards.

“These are not illegal or hidden expenses,” the statement noted, adding that including the IGF payroll in audit reports is standard practice for transparency, not an indication of impropriety.

UG criticised the Special Audit Report for failing to differentiate between the two payroll systems, which led to the misinterpretation of figures as an overstatement of employee compensation.

The University also pointed to broader staffing issues affecting its operations. Between August 2021 and 2024, 887 employees exited the institution, while only 102 new hires received government clearance in 2024. This occurred even as student numbers grew significantly — rising from 61,640 in 2021 to over 76,000 in 2023. UG said the need to maintain academic standards compelled it to use IGF resources to fill staffing gaps.

The statement expressed concern that Joy News did not contact the University for clarification before publishing the report, calling the omission a breach of journalistic ethics that risks harming the institution’s public image.

UG reaffirmed its adherence to the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), and its collaboration with oversight bodies. The University also pointed to its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, particularly Strategic Priority 5, which focuses on sustainable resource use and responsible governance.

It urged the public to disregard what it described as a “misleading narrative” and called on the media to engage in fair and accurate reporting.

“The University of Ghana remains dedicated to accountability, transparency, and upholding the highest standards in education and institutional management,” the release concluded.