As part of measures to address the many concerns expressed on the integrity of the government’s payroll on pensioners, a Biometric Registration of Ghana Pensioners (CAP 30) has been launched in Koforidua in the Eastern Region.

The Biometric Registration is geared towards the collation of an accurate data on about 730,000 government CAP 30 pensioners and public sector employees on the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) pensioners’ payroll.

This is to help clean, update and eliminate all ghost names from the payroll of pensioners in the country.

The Director of Administration at the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, Kwesi Owusu, said the exercise which started in the Eastern Region on Monday will be replicated in other regions at appropriate scheduled dates.

He asked relatives of sick and weak prisoners to help them participate in this crucial exercise since those who fail to have their data captured will have their names removed from the pensioners’ payroll.

The Deputy Regional Minister, Ebenezer Tei Larbi said, the exercise is appropriate since it will help to improve the social-political and economic life of the citizenry to have a sound public financial management system.

He asked the CAGD to double-check information on those reported dead by people without concrete proves.

They should also help to adequately resource the Birth and Death Registry and SSNIT to their cooperation for this exercise.

During an open forum, the Atiea District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Atta Twum, lauded the initiative and promised to offer assistance when the exercise starts in his district to help eliminate fraud and delay in payment of pensioners’ benefits.

Others expressed worry about pensioners outside the country.

Plans have however been made for such people to register at the Ghana Embassies and Consulates in those countries.

GBC