Imagine a government where every penny of public money is tracked with pinpoint accuracy, making corruption a thing of the past—Ghana is gearing up to make this vision a reality by 2026! But here’s where it gets controversial: is this bold leap into the digital age a game-changer for transparency, or could it create new hurdles for those not yet plugged into the online world? Let’s dive in and explore the details.
In a significant announcement, Ghana’s Controller and Accountant-General, Mr. Kwasi Agyei, unveiled an ambitious nationwide strategy to completely ditch manual cheques in all government bodies by the close of the first quarter of 2026. This overhaul requires the complete rollout of the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS)—think of it as a sophisticated digital toolbox designed to streamline how the government handles its money—and the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GhIPSS), which ensures safe and swift electronic transfers for public payments.
During a key stakeholder gathering in Accra, Mr. Agyei emphasized that this push is a core part of broader efforts to boost the honesty, speed, and openness of how Ghana manages its public finances. He pointed out that while the country has advanced in updating its payment methods, the lingering reliance on paper cheques by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), still creates ‘operational bottlenecks and vulnerabilities.’ For instance, imagine a scenario where a cheque gets lost in the mail or falls victim to forgery—these aren’t just minor annoyances; they can delay crucial services and erode trust in the system.
The session focused on ensuring GIFMIS-GhIPSS electronic funds transfer (EFT) tools are fully integrated across every commercial bank, and it laid out a step-by-step plan to retire cheque-based transactions in the public sector. ‘This isn’t just about adopting new tech; it’s a revolutionary move to enhance responsibility and productivity in overseeing taxpayer funds,’ Mr. Agyei explained. And this is the part most people miss: by going digital, the government aims to cut down on human errors, like mismatched records during reconciliation, and minimize fraud—such as altered cheque amounts that could slip through undetected.
To help beginners grasp this, let’s break it down simply. Manual cheques involve physical paper that needs to be printed, signed, mailed or delivered, and then cashed, which can take days or weeks. Problems arise when records don’t match up (reconciliation issues), there’s a higher chance of scams (like fake signatures or lost documents leading to unauthorized withdrawals), or reports get delayed. In contrast, digital systems like GIFMIS and GhIPSS allow instant, traceable transfers—much like how online banking works today, but tailored for government scale. This shift not only speeds things up but also leaves a clear audit trail, making it easier to spot and prevent misuse. For example, think about how your bank app shows every transaction in real-time; GIFMIS does something similar for public funds, ensuring better oversight.
Mr. Agyei highlighted that the traditional cheque process has long been a headache, with issues like tough reconciliations, increased fraud potential, and hold-ups in financial updates. Switching to electronic platforms is ‘both timely and vital’ for Ghana’s progress. He tied this into the Public Financial Management Act of 2016 (Act 921), which mandates GIFMIS as the go-to system for overseeing vital public resources—including the Consolidated Fund (the main pot of government money), Internally Generated Funds (from things like fees or services), Statutory Funds (legally required allocations), and even Donor Funds (aid from international partners). Yet, some organizations still opt to cut cheques straight through banks, sidestepping the system. This stubborn non-adoption, he cautioned, erodes openness and causes lags in compiling the National Accounts, leading the department to spend extra on costly, manual data-gathering missions across the country each year.
But let’s stir up some debate: while this digital transformation promises efficiency, critics might argue it’s not foolproof. What if cyber threats, like hacking, become the new fraud risk? Or, in a country where not everyone has reliable internet or digital literacy, does this plan risk sidelining rural areas or vulnerable groups? Is this truly an inclusive step forward, or could it widen the gap between the tech-savvy and others? These are valid points worth pondering.
Stay connected for more updates: Follow us on WhatsApp (https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaIdDi8Bqbr263erhw1K) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/allafrica/) for the latest headlines.
Related Articles
- Bishop proposes review of Constitution to enhance devt (https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/bishop-proposes-review-of-constitution-to-enhance-devt/) March 18, 2022
- EU launches cocoa monitoring programme (https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/eu-launches-cocoa-monitoring-programme/) July 2, 2025
BY KINGSLEY ASARE & RAYMOND APPIAH-AMPONSAH
🔗 Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
🌍 Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
✅ Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
What are your thoughts on Ghana’s digital payment revolution? Do you see it as a smart move for accountability, or are there potential downsides we haven’t considered? Agree or disagree—let’s discuss in the comments!