Autonomy for Controller and Accountant-General’s Department Critical for Fiscal Governance – CAGD Workers Union

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Autonomy for Controller and Accountant-General’s Department Critical for Fiscal Governance – CAGD Workers Union

The Controller and Accountant-General's Department Workers' Union (CAGDWU) has rejected claims by Mr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), opposing the proposal by the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) to grant autonomy to the Controller and Accountant-General's Department (CAGD).
The Union said the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendation followed extensive consultations and a thorough assessment of the critical role the Department plays in managing Ghana’s financial resources.
In a press statement signed by Ahmed Muniru Mohammed, Interim President, Becky Ayiku Otuo, Interim General Secretary, Abdul Razak Mohammed, Interim Financial Controller, and Gershon Ntsri, Interim Organiser, the Union said the comments by Mr. Bampoe Addo did not reflect the position of staff of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
The statement explained that the Department already had a recognised workers’ union capable of protecting the rights and interests of its members, stressing that any move to transition staff from CLOGSAG would not adversely affect their conditions of service.
“The CRC has undertaken wide consultation and a comprehensive assessment of the important role CAGD plays as a manager of Ghana’s financial resources before recommending autonomy for the Department,” the statement said.
It further assured staff that the CAGDWU remained firmly committed to protecting and advancing their welfare and professional interests. It added that the Union would take all necessary lawful steps to ensure that no policy or action undermined the rights and well-being of its members.
According to the Union, granting autonomy to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department would strengthen fiscal discipline, enhance professional integrity and align Ghana’s public financial management systems with international best practices.
The statement dismissed assertions by CLOGSAG that granting autonomy could lead to “constitutional confusion,” arguing that independence would rather bring clarity of purpose, faster decision-making and improved service delivery.
The CAGDWU also rejected concerns about possible weak fiscal coordination, stating that autonomy would remove bureaucratic and political bottlenecks, allowing for more professional and efficient management of government expenditure.
The Union maintained that the independence of the Department was a constitutional necessity and warned that attempts by any individual or group to obstruct the process would be resisted.
It therefore called on Parliament, civil society organisations and the general public to support the proposal to grant autonomy to the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
The Union said the reform would enhance operational efficiency, safeguard national resources and strengthen fiscal governance in the country.
“The independence of CAGD will strengthen fiscal discipline, promote global best practices and reinforce professional integrity in Ghana’s financial administration,” the statement added.
The CAGDWU also urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure the successful implementation of the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendation.